HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile, offers a unique typing experience that many enjoy for its bright and lively feedback coupled with a silky smooth feel. This switch is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is heralded for its all-POM construction and features a thocky sound signature that resonates deeply, coupled with remarkable smoothness and a lightweight touch, perfect for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback without sacrificing quality. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences and satisfy different user preferences: the Cloud - 50g for its engaging sound and feel, and the Smoothie for its creamy, low-pitched response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Smoothie switches utilize different housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material known for its softness and ability to absorb sound. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Smoothie utilizes POM for its top and bottom housings, which also offers a deeper and muted sound but with a unique clarity that is distinct from nylon. While both materials aim for a pleasing sound profile, the distinct properties of nylon and POM create variations in tactile feedback and auditory characteristics.
When comparing the two switches, the key difference lies in the materials used and how they impact sound resonance. Nylon’s softer nature makes it highly effective at dampening sound, leading to a more muted auditory signal when typing. This absorption results in a more rounded sound, as noted in the Cloud - 50g. On the other hand, the POM material of the Smoothie, while similarly capable of producing a deeper tone, offers a sharper auditory experience that is less subdued than nylon. This makes the Smoothie potentially more appealing for users who appreciate a more defined sound with less "thudding" noise during keystrokes.
Despite their differences, the Cloud - 50g and the Smoothie could produce comparable typing experiences in terms of depth due to their respective designs. The influence of the bottom housing's material comes into play when bottoming out on the switches, where both nylon and POM contribute their unique qualities to the feeling and sound upon key release. For users who appreciate the deeper audio quality common to both switches, the experience would still be largely satisfying, even with the distinct sound characteristics. Thus, while their materials differ, both switches deliver an engaging experience rooted in the principles of how their housing affects sound and tactile feedback during use.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer similar experiences in terms of actuation force, with the Cloud requiring 42 grams and the Smoothie slightly lighter at 40 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users of the Smoothie might enjoy a marginally easier keystroke, which could be advantageous during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue is a concern. However, the Cloud switch boasts a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more definitive feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, leaving potential users unsure about how substantial the feel of the key press will be upon bottoming out. Due to its higher bottom out force, the HMX Cloud switch may appeal more to those who prefer a heftier typing experience, while the Smoothie remains the lighter option with an unquantified bottom out feel. Overall, if users prioritize lighter switches for comfort, the Smoothie could be an appealing choice, while others who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Cloud switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the HMX Cloud stands out with a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The slight reduction in travel distance offered by the Smoothie may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times, as shorter distances typically facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may find the Cloud - 50g's travel distance more comfortable, offering a more pronounced depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Gateron Smoothie being the shorter and the HMX Cloud - 50g offering the longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch delivers a clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bright and lively auditory experience while typing. This sound profile enhances the overall engagement during use, making it feel more dynamic. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, rich thud that gives a satisfying acoustic feedback. It’s noteworthy that the Smoothie leans toward a low-pitched and more subdued tone, which contrasts with the Cloud's brighter sound. Therefore, while both switches offer their own unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences, with the Cloud - 50g being more vibrant and the Smoothie providing a deeper, mellower sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smooth touch, making it ideal for those who appreciate a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. Comparatively, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as a buttery and creamy option, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Users can expect a silky feeling while typing on the Smoothie, similar to the Cloud’s smoothness but amplified by the specific materials used in its construction. Both switches prioritize a premium tactile experience, suggesting that either one will offer a delightful typing feel, though the Smoothie may elevate that experience with its unique buttery characteristics.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Smoothie switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience, they differentiate themselves through sound and texture. The Cloud - 50g offers a bright, clacky sound and a silky feel, while the Smoothie provides a thocky, low-pitched auditory experience combined with a buttery, creamy touch. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch you gravitate toward, but both options promise an enjoyable typing experience that can fulfill the desires of mechanical keyboard fans.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a brighter typing experience and enjoy a light clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g may be the perfect fit for you. With its 50-gram bottom out force, it caters to enthusiasts who prefer a more tactile feedback while typing and find delight in the silky smoothness that it offers, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more responsive and uplifting experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a deeper, more melancholic sound with a thocky richness, the Gateron Smoothie might be your best bet. Known for its creamy and buttery smooth keystrokes, this switch delivers a remarkable typing experience that feels effortless, particularly appealing to users who prefer a softer touch and a more subtle sound profile. Thus, assess your typing preferences against these characteristics to determine which switch aligns better with your unique needs.
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