HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus are two linear switches that cater to distinct typing experiences while sharing a common clacky sound profile. The Cloud - 50g, with its 50g actuation force, appeals to enthusiasts who desire a lighter touch and a smooth typing feel, making it perfect for extended periods of typing or casual gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, facilitating rapid-fire commands and swift gameplay reactions. While both switches offer a bright auditory feedback and a glide-like experience, their variations in weight and actuation height can significantly impact performance. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus reveals a striking similarity: both models utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material invokes a classic design ethos, particularly notable in the realm of mechanical switches. Nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contributes to a desirable typing experience. Because both the Cloud - 50g and Vintage Citrus employ nylon in their construction, users can expect a smooth and inviting auditory experience while typing, characterized by a duller and rounder sound owing to nylon's inherent softness and superior sound absorption properties.
In both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the bottom housing also plays a crucial role in shaping the typing dynamics. While the nylon composition ensures a consistent acoustic quality across both models, the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the overall "bottom-out" sound and feel when a key is pressed. The fact that both models feature nylon in their bottoms indicates that the tactile response and sound will resonate similarly. Thus, users can expect to enjoy a comparable heft and feedback when pressing down on the keys, enhancing the overall experience in both configurations.
In examining the upper housings of both switches, it becomes clear that the advantages of nylon extend beyond just sound. The material's design ensures durability along with a pleasing tactile response, making typing sessions more satisfying. As both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Vintage Citrus utilize this consistent nylon fabrication for both the top and bottom housings, consumers can confidently expect a uniform experience across both switches. Ultimately, whether opting for the Cloud - 50g or the Vintage Citrus, users will achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and tactile performance, allowing for a seamless transition between the two models without sacrificing the quality that nylon inherently provides.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer touch that allows for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. Consequently, while both switches provide a smooth linear feel, the Cloud - 50g is characterized as the lighter option, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the heavier one. Thus, users can expect a lighter typing experience with the Cloud while the Vintage Citrus offers a medium-light feel, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which provides a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a robust typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm, making it more suitable for users who prioritize rapid response times, such as gamers. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Cloud - 50g offers a longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a deeper feel, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker actuation.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a bright, clacky sound profile that appeals to many users. This auditory characteristic can create an engaging typing experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment for enthusiasts and gamers alike. However, it is essential to consider that the exact sound may vary depending on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which can further influence how these switches perform in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth sensation during typing, making it a refined choice for those who appreciate a seamless keypress. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for speed, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force and a remarkably smooth push feel, catering specifically to gamers who require quick responses. While both switches maintain a smooth experience, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes rapid actuation, making it a more specialized option for fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches boast that bright, clacky sound which adds a lively tone to your typing or gaming sessions. The Cloud - 50g is characterized by its silky smooth feel, while the Vintage Citrus prioritizes quick actuation for gamers, offering a unique touch. Ultimately, your experience with these switches will depend on your preference for typing versus gaming, but both options present enjoyable qualities that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing and gaming needs. If you prefer a switch that offers a lighter overall feel and a silken smooth journey with a bright, clacky sound, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom out force makes it ideal for those who enjoy a slightly less resistant keypress, leading to a more relaxed typing experience that is especially enjoyable for general use or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for performance and speed, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its quick 1mm actuation and slightly firmer 53g force. This switch is purposefully designed to allow for rapid key presses, making it perfect for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. In essence, choose the HMX Cloud - 50g for a leisurely typing experience and the HMX Vintage Citrus if you prioritize quickness and responsiveness in your gaming endeavors.
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