HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its vibrant clackiness and silky smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for those who delight in an engaging auditory and tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers deliver a unique combination of a shorter activation point and a long pole stem, which results in a snappy, yet creamy typing sensation that many gamers and fast typists appreciate. While the HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for enthusiasts craving a bright and lively sound profile, the Splash Brothers cater to those who prioritize speed and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a consistent sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller audio experience. This shared material results in a similar tactile feedback when typing, as both switches absorb sound effectively due to nylon's softer plastic nature. This commonality in the bottom housing means that users of either switch will enjoy a plush typing experience that minimizes high-frequency noise, leading to a serene and rounded sound that is ideal for a quieter work or gaming environment. The absorbing qualities of nylon here provide a unifying factor, ensuring that, regardless of their differing top housings, users can expect comparable performance in terms of feel and bottom-out sound.
In contrast, the top housing of the HMX Cloud - 50g is made from nylon, while the Jwick Splash Brothers opts for polycarbonate. This fundamental difference significantly influences the sound profiles of the two switches. The nylon top of the Cloud - 50g results in a rounder sound profile, which can be seen as a complement to its bottom housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers lends itself to a sharper and crisper acoustic output. This stiffer material enhances the higher frequencies, allowing the switch to resonate more prominently. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate in the Splash Brothers provides a striking appearance for RGB lighting, which can enhance the overall visual impact of the keyboard setup.
Even though the Cloud - 50g and the Splash Brothers differ in their top materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a fascinating dynamic. While the Cloud - 50g offers a more muted sound profile through its nylon top, the Splash Brothers compensates with its lively polycarbonate top. For users seeking specific sound characteristics, the unique amalgamation of materials means that each switch can still deliver satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, typing experiences with either switch will contain certain overlapping elements, allowing for nuanced differences in sound while still achieving harmonious results, especially when considering the sound absorption properties of nylon in both designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see some notable differences. The HMX Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is measured at 50 grams, indicating a slight increase in resistance once fully depressed. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch does not specify an actuation force, leaving that aspect unknown, but it does have a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while the Cloud - 50g is clearly defined with its actuation and bottom out forces, the Splash Brothers presents a bit of uncertainty regarding its actuation feel. In terms of overall weight, both switches are considered light, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing significant fatigue. However, the Cloud - 50g provides a clearer and more measured typing experience due to its specified actuation force. Thus, while both switches are light, the Cloud - 50g offers more tangible feedback in terms of actuation, whereas the Splash Brothers' unspecified actuation could lead to an inconsistent typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Splash Brothers offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that provides a slightly deeper and perhaps more substantial feel during key presses, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Splash Brothers switch, with its shorter distance, may better suit your needs. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences regarding depth and speed, the choice between them hinges on whether you value a fuller keypress or a more rapid response.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a more neutral sound, positioning itself as versatile and suitable for a range of environments. While the Cloud - 50g is likely to be quite noticeable in terms of sound during use, the Splash Brothers maintains a moderate sound profile, making it more adaptable for both casual and professional settings. However, it's essential to remember that the final acoustic experience will depend heavily on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
In the realm of feel, the Cloud - 50g switch delivers a silky smooth experience that provides a luxurious tactile sensation for typists. The Jwick Splash Brothers, on the other hand, presents a multifaceted tactile profile described as mild yet snappy. This means users will enjoy a gentle typing experience alongside a responsive feel, enhanced by the longer or dual-staged springs that yield a lively interaction. Additionally, the Splash Brothers’ bouncy characteristic might offer slightly more feedback than the Cloud - 50g, while also ensuring a polished and smooth key travel.
Overall, both switches cater to differing user preferences, with the HMX Cloud - 50g favoring those who enjoy a pronounced sound and smooth feel, while the Jwick Splash Brothers offers a more versatile, mild, and snappy experience with a creamy sound. Whether leaning towards a more vibrant typing experience with the Cloud or opting for the adaptable qualities of the Splash Brothers, users can find pleasure in either switch depending on their individual typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are someone who enjoys a bright, clacky typing experience and values a silky smooth feel while typing, the Cloud - 50g might be the switch for you. Its relatively light actuation force of 50 grams caters well to enthusiasts who prefer a bit more auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for both casual typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines a mild typing experience with snappy and bouncy feedback, the Splash Brothers could be your go-to option. With a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a creamy sound signature, these switches are versatile enough for various tasks, whether at home or in a shared workspace. Their neutral characteristics mean that you won't feel overwhelmed, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, along with the environments where you’ll be using your keyboard, to make the best choice for your needs.
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