HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different preferences and styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, excels for those who crave a lighter touch and a bright, clacky sound profile, making it ideal for a fast-paced typing experience without the friction of tactile bumps. It delivers a silky smooth feel that is often favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor presents a contrasting choice with its tactile design and thuddy, punchy sound profile, providing a satisfying feedback that adds character to the typing experience. These switches are celebrated for their pronounced tactility, creating a delightful sensation that enhances engagement without being overly intrusive. Both switches cater to distinct user preferences, whether you lean towards a smooth, speedy experience or a more tactile and pronounced feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a clear distinction arises between their respective top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties that help to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, providing a more muted auditory experience upon key activation. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched response. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition enhances clarity and resonance, contributing to a brighter sound profile that is particularly advantageous for users employing RGB lighting due to the material's translucency.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material leads to a consistent auditory characteristic when pressing the keys, as the nylon absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing is crucial in determining the feel and sound when the key bottoms out, and in this case, both switches benefit from the properties of the nylon, ensuring that users experience a softer and rounder sound when engaging with them. This indicates a level of synergy between the bottom housings of both switches, highlighting how nylon effectively mediates the tactile experience.
Ultimately, the combination of differing materials in the top housing and the uniformity in the bottom housing creates a unique juxtaposition in sound and feel for both switches. Users of the HMX Cloud - 50g will particularly appreciate the muted, rounded sound from the nylon top housing, while those using the Viola Tricolor will enjoy the crisp and clear sound profile facilitated by the polycarbonate top. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures a shared auditory depth during key activation, delivering a cohesive experience that emphasizes the unique qualities of each switch’s top housing while maintaining a familiar comfort in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, clear distinctions emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This lighter force can be advantageous for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch has an actuation force that is unspecified but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy push feel. While the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor isn't provided, we can infer that its bottom out force suggests a stronger feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Haimu Viola is the heavier option among the two, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users will find that the Cloud - 50g offers a more effortless feel, while the Viola Tricolor provides greater resistance, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Viola Tricolor features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Viola Tricolor the more responsive option, likely appealing to gamers who favor quick key presses and rapid response times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g offers a bit more depth in travel distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, those looking for a snappier experience might choose the Viola Tricolor, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke could opt for 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, which provides a bright and lively auditory feedback during use. This makes it particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more elevated and cheerful typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound, characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This adds a deeper, richer auditory sensation that can create a captivating presence when typing. While both switches deliver distinct sound characteristics, it's crucial to note that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g excels with its silky smooth action, offering an effortless typing experience that caters to those who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is recognized for its pronounced tactility, providing a medium tactile sensation that is both invigorating and snappy. This type of feedback offers a satisfying and clear indication of actuation without becoming overly tactile or scratchy, striking a great balance for users who appreciate feedback in their typing experience.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a unique combination of a bright sound and a smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing environment. Meanwhile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor presents a more bassy auditory experience backed by prominent tactile feedback that offers satisfaction without overwhelming the typist. Both switches deliver enjoyable experiences, and your ultimate choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and the type of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you seek a light typing experience with a clackier sound profile that provides a smooth and effortless keystroke, then the HMX Cloud - 50g is the ideal switch for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast typists and gamers who enjoy a joyful and bright auditory feedback without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feedback while typing, the Haimu Viola Tricolor would be a better choice. With its medium-heavy resistance and thuddy, bassy sound profile, this switch offers a pronounced tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. It strikes a balance that allows for a satisfying yet not overwhelming feedback, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging and invigorating keypress. In essence, consider your typing style and the ambiance you want to create—whether it’s the light and airy sound of the Cloud - 50g or the deep and rich tones of the Viola Tricolor, each switch has its own unique charm to elevate your typing experience.
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