HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out for their unique attributes and user experiences. The Cloud - 50g is favored for its clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who thrive on a bright and lively typing experience, while its lighter actuation force provides a silky smooth feel that can enhance typing speed and comfort. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a luxurious typing experience with their deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and a quiet “stealth” top-out, paired with a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This makes the U4Tx ideal for users who appreciate the subtle nuances of tactile feedback without the noise associated with other tactile switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preferences and typing style.
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
3.60 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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, both utilize unconventional plastics designed to produce rich sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g features a classic nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its softness and sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, as the softer plastic dampens sound more effectively than harder alternatives. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's top and bottom housings are made from a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic." Much like nylon, this blend is designed to deliver a similar richness in sound, characterized by its soft texture that also helps generate a warm and rounded audio signature.
Despite the differences in nomenclature, both types of housing materials serve to enhance the auditory experience of the switches through their physical properties. While the HMX Cloud - 50g specifically utilizes nylon for its classic characteristics, the U4Tx RGB’s proprietary boba plastic is specifically engineered to trade on similar qualities. Both materials share the trait of being soft, meaning that whether one is using nylon or Gazzew's proprietary blend, the result remains a switch that excels in sound dampening and a fuller sound profile. Therefore, users can expect similar acoustic results from the two switches even though the materials differ.
In terms of tactile feedback and sound characteristics when typing, the nuances of each switch can also be influenced by the interplay between the top and bottom housings. Since the bottom housing predominantly affects the feel and bottom-out sound, the nylon bottom of the Cloud - 50g enhances the overall typing experience with its unique softness. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch, with its boba plastic bottom housing, provides a comparable tactile experience that mirrors the Cloud - 50g. The combination of each switch's top and bottom materials means that while the fundamental characteristics may vary slightly due to the materials, the overall typing feel and sound profiles can yield surprisingly similar results when used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their specifications. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. This lighter force can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has an unspecified actuation force, while its bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a heavier feel. This higher bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch, ideal for those seeking ease of use, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB leans towards a medium-heavy preference, providing a stronger tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges: the Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud switch offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. The difference may make the U4Tx feel more abrupt to some, highlighting the balance between response and depth that users may prioritize according to their preferences. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purpose, the Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who enjoy a greater travel distance, while the U4Tx RGB suits those who favor speed and responsiveness in their key presses.
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 U4Tx RGB 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright auditory experience while typing. This lively sound signature provides a satisfying acoustic feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate an elevated presence in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is known for its distinctly refined sound, characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, paired with a quieter sound during the topping out phase. The contrast in their sound profiles makes the Cloud switch ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the U4Tx switch is suited for users who prefer a subtler auditory experience without compromising on depth.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smooth motion, providing a fluid typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances speed. This smoothness is often favored by typists and gamers alike, as it allows for quick keystrokes with less resistance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a sharp tactile bump that delineates actuation clearly, providing a luxurious typing experience where users can feel the feedback distinctly without overly interrupting their typing flow. The Cloud switch promotes a more linear feel that encourages rapid input, while the U4Tx's tactile nature caters to those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different preferences, offering unique sound and feel characteristics that appeal to various typing styles. The Cloud switch excels in providing an engaging clacky sound and silky smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy high-speed typing with lively audio feedback. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switch combines a rich thock sound with a satisfying tactile feel, ideal for users who seek a more refined and luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feedback, and both can lead to enjoyable results based on individual tastes and requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the kinds of tasks you'll be engaging in. If you prioritize a lighter switch with a clacky sound profile and silky smooth actuation, perfect for fast typing and gaming, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for rapid key presses without much effort, making it suitable for those who enjoy a vibrant, responsive feel. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile and substantial typing experience with a satisfying deep "thock" sound and a sharp tactile bump, the U4Tx RGB will be your best bet. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it offers a more defined resistance, ideal for typing tasks that benefit from feedback and precision, without compromising on noise. Ultimately, your choice will rely on whether you value lightness and speed or tactile feedback and sound quality in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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