HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct characteristics that can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and a lighter actuation force, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel enhances the overall enjoyment and comfort, especially during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver excels with its all-POM construction, providing a short travel distance that enables lightning-fast actuation. This switch is favored for its thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, coupled with a feather-light touch that appeals to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and precision. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you're seeking a lively auditory feedback or rapid actuation without fatigue. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it's essential to note the differences between the nylon and POM (polyoxymethylene) used in their constructions. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for producing deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, contributing to a unique and pleasing sound profile that is similarly deeper but distinctively muted. This inherent difference in materials results in varying sound characteristics and tactile experiences when typing.
Despite these differences, both switch types share a commonality in producing a sound profile that falls within the deeper range. The Cloud - 50g benefits from its all-nylon construction to achieve its specific audio texture, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM to create its desired sound. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound depth, though the tonal quality will differ. The POM material provides a unique sound signature that some may prefer over nylon, or vice versa. Ultimately, the choice between these switches can come down to personal auditory preference, as both will offer rich and resonant sound experiences.
The impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience is also significant due to the way each material interacts during key presses. The nylon in the Cloud - 50g tends to provide a softer bottom-out feel, while the POM in the Smoothie Silver, although muted, may offer a firmer keystroke due to its properties. The differences in sound characteristics will be most noticeable upon release from the keypress, where the nylon will contribute to a rounder sound, while the POM will present a distinct sound that some users might find more enjoyable. This suggests that, while both switches can deliver a deeper sound profile, the unique qualities of their housing materials will shape the tactile experience and auditory feedback in subtly different ways.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, complicating a direct comparison in terms of force at full depression. Ultimately, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option based on actuation force, while the Smoothie Silver offers a bit more resistance, appealing to those who favor a firmer touch in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch differ, with the Cloud - 50g measuring 3.9 mm and the Smoothie Silver at 3.4 mm. This means that the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who favor rapid response times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g’s longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and satisfying experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. While both switches can still deliver effective performance based on individual preferences, the choice between them ultimately rests on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is best known for its clacky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a bright and pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky sound that provides a deeper and more muted auditory experience. Both switches create unique sounds that can enhance your typing experience, but keep in mind that the overall audio profile can also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycaps you choose to use.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, making for a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience, especially for enthusiasts who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light actuation, enabling swift and efficient keystrokes. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the lighter touch of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those who favor quick, responsive typing, whereas the Cloud - 50g appeals to users looking for a blend of lightness and a soft tactile experience.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches cater to different preferences in the realm of sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g offers a clacky sound and silky smooth feel, while the Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound combined with a feather-light touch and unparalleled smoothness. Depending on your typing style and acoustic preferences, you’ll find both switches capable of delivering exciting and satisfying results in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a brighter, clacky sound profile and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force of 50 grams, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. It’s well-suited for those who engage in a lot of typing or gaming where a responsive feel is desired, without being too heavy on the fingers. On the other hand, if you're looking for an unparalleled smoothness combined with an exceptionally quick actuation, the Smoothie Silver may be your ideal choice. Its feather-light touch and thocky sound cater to fast typists and gamers looking for rapid responses and a unique tactile experience. In conclusion, consider your sound preference, the type of tasks you'll be performing, and how much you value a smooth yet quick typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Each has its merits, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing demands and aesthetic pleasure.
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