HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence the typing experience, and two popular linear options are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Taichi. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, offering enthusiasts a bright and engaging typing experience while ensuring a silky smooth feel with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lively sound and tactile feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi is renowned for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is achieved through its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, providing users with unparalleled smoothness and stability. This switch is ideal for users seeking a serene typing sound combined with consistent performance. Both switches cater to different preferences in auditory feedback and tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Taichi exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the material's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics. As a result, the sound produced during typing is rounded and less sharp, making it ideal for users who prefer a muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. The clear nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound clarity but also makes it more visually appealing when paired with RGB lighting, setting a more vibrant aesthetic.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings; both the Cloud - 50g and the Taichi utilize nylon. This similarity means that while the top sounds differ, the foundational characteristics influencing the sound and feel upon bottoming out remain consistent across both models. The nylon bottom housing's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile ensures that regardless of the top housing material, users will experience a similar auditory richness when the keys are fully engaged. This highlights how even differing top materials can lead to a coherent overall typing experience thanks to the shared properties of the bottom housing.
In essence, the divergence in the top materials results in contrasting auditory profiles, while the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing serves to bridge the experience between the two switches. Users seeking a deeper sound might find the Cloud - 50g preferable, while those desiring sharp and crisp sounds might gravitate toward the Taichi. Yet, both options will deliver a comparable feel and sound quality upon key actuation due to their mutual nylon bottom construction, showcasing the balance of form and function in their design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates a light typing experience that can be beneficial for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. While the Cloud - 50g is designed for users who prefer a tactile response with a stronger push feel, the Taichi’s lighter actuation may appeal to those who favor a softer touch. Overall, the Cloud - 50g is the heavier switch when considering actuation force, while the Taichi is the lighter option, although without an available bottom out force for the Taichi, it remains uncertain how it compares in that aspect. If users prefer a lighter switch for comfort, they would benefit from the Taichi, while those seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Cloud.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Cloud - 50g may provide a more pronounced keystroke experience, appealing to users who prefer a greater depth when typing, especially for tasks that require more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Taichi's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Given that 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, both switches fall within a comfortable range, albeit the Taichi’s design aligns more closely with modern preferences for shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one favors the richer depth of the Cloud - 50g or the snappier responsiveness of the Taichi.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 linear switch produces a clacky sound profile that is vibrant and engaging, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. This lighter variant complements the user’s experience with its brightness. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a high-pitched bottom-out sound thanks to its long-pole stem and walled design, creating a unique auditory feedback that is enchanting. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, ensuring that users will have varied experiences based on their individual setups.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is characterized by a silky smoothness that enhances every keystroke, providing a luxurious typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. This smooth action contributes to a light and effortless feel that can be particularly enjoyable during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Taichi switch also emphasizes smoothness but boasts features that enhance stability due to its extended springs and design elements. This might result in an equally pleasurable tactile experience, allowing for a fluid typing motion that provides confidence in every press.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Bsun Taichi linear switches cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience with their own distinct sounds. While the Cloud - 50g is known for its clacky and bright auditory profile, the Taichi’s high-pitched bottom-out sound adds an enchanting flair to the experience. Their tactile qualities, marked by the silky smoothness of the Cloud - 50g and the stable feel of the Taichi, suggest that both switches can provide a satisfying keystroke, albeit with different auditory and experiential nuances. Ultimately, your choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound and the specific feel you're seeking.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you lean towards lighter switches that deliver a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy an engaging and responsive typing experience without requiring significant force—ideal for fast typists and gaming enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch that produces an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound accompanied by stability and smoothness due to its long-pole stem design, then the Bsun Taichi could be more to your liking. This switch might appeal to users who appreciate deeper auditory feedback and a highly stable typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what matters most to you in terms of sound and tactile experience, ensuring that it complements your unique typing style.
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