HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch. The Cloud - 50g is favored for its lighter feel and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who relish a bright typing experience and a silky smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Taro switch offers a cozy, subdued aesthetic paired with a snappy, medium-level of tactility that enhances the typing experience while delivering crisp acoustics. Both switches have unique characteristics: the HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for users who prefer a faster, more fluid keypress, while the Jwick Taro caters to those who seek feedback with every keystroke. While both options provide enjoyable experiences, their distinct features serve different preferences; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Taro reveals distinct differences that influence their overall acoustic profiles. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller sound profile that many typists might find more muted and enjoyable for an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro offers a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a brighter feedback when typing. While both switches strive for high-quality auditory feedback, their differing materials cater to varying preferences in sound.
Interestingly, the bottom housing for both switches is made from nylon, leading to similar experiences when considering the feel and sound produced during the actuation of the switches. This commonality in the bottom housing means that both switches will generate the deeper and rounder sound profile associated with nylon when the key is bottomed out. The softer nature of nylon is particularly effective at absorbing sound, which results in a body of muted acoustics that typists might appreciate when they press down on the keys of either the Cloud - 50g or the Taro. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct auditory profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing aligns the tactile experience between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings and the same bottom housings means that users can enjoy a varied set of auditory and tactile sensations. Individuals seeking a more rounded and deeper sound can look toward the HMX Cloud - 50g for its nylon top housing, while those who prefer a brighter, crisper experience will find the Jwick Taro's polycarbonate top housing appealing. However, when it comes to the bottoming-out experience, both switches will deliver a similar deeper sound due to their shared nylon bottom housings. Thus, regardless of the preferences for the top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing help provide a cohesive tactile experience across both options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Taro switch features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy, though its actuation force is not specified. This implies that the Taro may require a heavier push, offering a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Therefore, while the Cloud is the lighter option, appealing to users who favor ease of use, the Taro caters to those who appreciate a stronger tactile response. Given these differences, users will have distinct experiences based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it's clear that there are slight differences. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Taro measures at 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Taro switch has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive, which is an appealing trait for gamers looking for faster key response times. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g offers a bit more depth, which might be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feel when pressing keys. Overall, if one favors quicker actions, the Taro could be the ideal choice; however, those who appreciate a deeper key press might lean toward the Cloud - 50g.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, offering a bright auditory experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. This light switch produces a distinctly crisp and resonant sound when typing, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging and lively acoustic backdrop. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch boasts a more neutral sound profile. While it maintains a moderate sound, it is designed to cater to a wider range of users, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Both switches, however, can present differences in sound based on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, so the final auditory experience can still vary widely.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a silky smooth keystroke, creating a pleasant typing experience that many will appreciate. Its linear nature allows for seamless transitions between keystrokes without the interruption of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch provides a tactile feedback that is snappy and features a stepped feel. This means that users will experience a degree of tactility with two distinct stages during the keystroke, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience. The buttery smoothness and the stepped design of the Taro contribute to a comfortable and satisfying sensation under the fingers compared to the uniformity of the Cloud - 50g.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Jwick Taro switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g emphasizes a bright, clacky sound paired with a silky smooth keystroke, ideal for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Taro combines a more subtle sound profile with snappy tactile feedback, making it versatile for a variety of settings. Ultimately, your preference will guide your choice between a more engaging or neutral typing experience, and both can deliver satisfying results depending on your specific needs and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter key press and seek a bright auditory experience, the Cloud - 50g is your go-to option. Its silky smooth feel and clacky sound profile make it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a more responsive and vibrant typing experience. This switch is particularly suited for fast typists or gamers looking for quick actuation without much resistance. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with a muted sound, the Jwick Taro should be your choice. Offering a snappy and buttery typing sensation, this switch combines moderate resistance with an acute, crisp audio profile. The Taro's medium-heavy actuation force is great for typists who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke and a comfortable typing feel, making it a solid option for office environments or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different styles, so consider your typing habits and sound preferences when making your decision.
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