HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4T stand out as distinctive options, each catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and smooth action, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright, engaging typing experience without the interruption of tactile bumps. Its lighter actuation force lends itself to rapid keystrokes, perfect for gamers and typists who value speed. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T excels as a tactile switch, delivering a delightful fusion of thockiness and pronounced tactile feedback. It offers a satisfying 'thock' sound with each press, appealing to those who crave a more interactive and auditory typing experience. While the Cloud - 50g promotes a swift and fluid typing style, the U4T invites users to relish the nuances of each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4T, both switches utilize materials that contribute significantly to their sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g is constructed with classic nylon for both its top and bottom housing. This choice is notable as nylon is recognized for its softer texture, allowing it to absorb sound effectively and generate a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housings. Although distinct in composition, this blend similarly emphasizes softness, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile comparable to that of nylon. The common attribute of sound absorption in both materials suggests that they would likely yield similar auditory experiences during typing sessions.
Despite the difference in nomenclature between nylon and Gazzew's proprietary blend, both materials share crucial sonic characteristics. The nylon used in the Cloud - 50g offers a pronounced impact on the overall sound produced, particularly evident during key release due to its absorption capabilities. On the other hand, the U4T's boba plastic follows suit with its own absorption features, ensuring that both switches create a sound profile that can be perceived as duller and rounder, akin to what users experience with the nylon. Because both switch designs prioritize softer housing materials, users will find that both types of switches deliver sound experiences with minimal harshness.
Furthermore, the impact of these materials extends beyond sound alone, influencing the tactile experience during typing. The Cloud - 50g relies on nylon for both top and bottom, allowing for seamless integration of sound and feel, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the U4T's blend ensures that the qualities of its sound also translate into the tactile feedback provided by the switch. The softer top and bottom hosing materials help maintain a consistent and pleasant typing experience in each case, leading to similar outcomes in performance and user satisfaction despite the differences in material branding. Overall, while the materials differ in name, the foundational qualities that contribute to user experience remain comparably effective across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T lacks a specified actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category, offering a more substantial feel when pressed. This contrast indicates that while the Cloud switch facilitates lighter keystrokes, the U4T provides a firmer feedback that some typists may prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, if you’re looking for a switch that is lighter and promotes longer usage without fatigue, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the better option, while the Gazzew U4T is ideal for those who appreciate a heavier key feel and richer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have notable differences in their travel distances, with the Cloud switch having a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the U4T measures 4 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud switch the shorter option, appealing to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional and satisfying depth that some users find comfortable for typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two heavily depends on your preference for speed versus depth in your keypresses. If you favor responsiveness and quick reaction times, the HMX Cloud is the better option; conversely, if you appreciate a more extensive tactile experience, the Gazzew U4T would cater to that need.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 renowned for its clacky sound profile, creating a bright and engaging auditory experience that appeals to fans of more cheerful typing sounds. This switch tends to produce a lively tone that complements fast typing and reinforces the joyous sensation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T excels with its bassy and thocky audio characteristics, delivering a deeper, richer sound that resonates with every press. The U4T's sound profile is designed to provide a satisfying auditory feedback, with its deep "thock" reminiscent of a solid knock, fostering an environment of substantial acoustic pleasure during use. Despite their differences, both switches can provide an appealing auditory experience depending on the keyboard setup and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness contributes to a more fluid typing style, which can be particularly engaging for users who prioritize speed and minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T presents a sharp tactile sensation with a pronounced feedback at the actuation point. This intense tactile bump enhances tactile awareness and allows users to confidently gauge their keystrokes, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging and deliberate typing experience. The contrasting feel of the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Cloud - 50g favoring smoothness and the U4T emphasizing tactile feedback.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4T switches cater to distinct auditory and tactile preferences, both have their unique advantages. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its lively clacky tones and silky smooth feel, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. Conversely, the U4T's rich thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback provide a satisfying mix of auditory richness and tactile sensation, appealing to those who seek a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference, with each offering a different take on what makes typing enjoyable.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch that delivers a bright and smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is ideal for you. Its 50-gram actuation force and clacky sound profile create an engaging environment, particularly for those who spend long hours typing and enjoy a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced tactile response and deeper acoustics, the Gazzew U4T with its 65-gram actuation force would be more suitable. Its thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback offer satisfying keystrokes, making it perfect for users who value a solid feel and sound with each press. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether that’s a smooth, lightweight typing experience or a more deliberate, tactile one.
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