HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Tomcat, both of which are linear switches yet offer distinct characteristics. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter resistance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a vibrant typing experience combined with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch stands out with its Ly stems, providing a super smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that appeals to users who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback during their keystrokes. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they offer unique benefits that could sway your decision. 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Tomcat, notable differences emerge that influence both their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound waves and produce a rounder auditory effect. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances resonance, offering a clearer auditory experience. Thus, users can expect a distinctly different auditory feedback from each switch type, with the nylon housing leaning towards muted warmth, while the polycarbonate verges on sharp brightness.
Examining the bottom housing reveals similarities between the two models. Both the Cloud - 50g and the Tomcat are equipped with nylon bottom housings, which promote that characteristic deep and rounded sound profile during typing. The bottom housing fundamentally influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed, with the two switches sharing an identical experience in this regard. While their top housings differ significantly and affect the release sound, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures consistency in the overall feel of the switches—providing a solid base that contributes to a unified typing experience despite the sound variations from the tops.
Ultimately, the distinct attributes of the top housings serve to balance one another out through the shared nylon bottom, offering users both contrast and harmony. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top and bottom housing creates a cohesive, warm sound profile, while the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing enhances sound clarity paired with a warm nylon bottom. For those who prioritize RGB lighting aesthetics, the Ghost's polycarbonate top allows for luminous effects, while the Cloud's sound characteristics remain consistent with a more muted approach. Thus, despite differences in the top housing materials, similar sound qualities can still be achieved through the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring both models deliver a satisfying typing experience influenced by their unique materials.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. While both switches allow for a comfortable typing experience, users who prefer a more substantial feedback might lean towards the Tomcat due to its heavier forces. Overall, the Cloud - 50g's lighter profile is suitable for prolonged use, while the Tomcat offers a firmer push that some users may find more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a noticeable difference can be observed. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat a better option for those who prioritize quick response times, as its shorter travel may appeal to gamers looking for faster keystrokes. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g might be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial keypress, offering a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance. Thus, if you enjoy a deeper, more pronounced typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the ideal choice, whereas the Bsun Tomcat caters to those who favor speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, making it a more audibly vibrant option that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch offers a resonant sound profile, which, while also auditory, may differ in tonal quality and richness. It's important to note that the sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard’s construction, types of keycaps used, and even the environment in which one is typing.
Regarding feel, the Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth typing sensation that many users find satisfying when typing or gaming. This smoothness enhances the overall experience, promoting fluid keypresses. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch features Ly stems designed for an exceptionally smooth typing experience as well. While both switches claim a smooth feel, the nuances of their construction might offer slightly different tactile experiences when pressed.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that will appeal to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who enjoy a brighter and clackier sound, complemented by its silky smoothness, while the Tomcat excels with its resonant sound and notable smoothness. Ultimately, both switches present excellent options for users looking for a satisfying typing experience, so your choice may boil down to personal preference for sound characteristics and specific feel, as both can deliver similar results in terms of smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a clackier sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option for you. This switch is particularly suited for extended typing sessions or when you want a more responsive feel, making it ideal when you're looking for a swift feedback mechanism in casual gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more resonant sound profile and a super smooth typing experience, the Tomcat linear switch may be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams provides a balanced tactile feedback that works well in both gaming and typing scenarios, especially if you value a bit more resistance and a satisfying sound without an overly distinct auditory signature. Ultimately, considering your typing style, the sound you enjoy, and your typical usage will guide you in making the right choice between these two switches.
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