HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Violet can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is renowned for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an ideal option for enthusiasts seeking a bright, engaging typing experience. Its lighter actuation force of 50g allows for rapid key presses, perfect for gamers or fast typists who prefer an uninterrupted flow. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch that delivers a gentle yet pronounced tactile feedback with a smooth actuation. With a neutral sound signature and a pleasing poppy tactility, the Violets provide a balanced typing experience, appealing to those who relish a bit of feedback without overwhelming noise. Each switch offers its own unique charm: the Cloud for its vibrant auditory feedback and fluid strokes, and the Violet for its satisfying tactile response and quiet performance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Violet, it's clear that they diverge significantly in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon results in enhanced sound absorption, leading to a more muted auditory experience that many users appreciate for its warmth. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet opts for a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which tends to be crisper and more resonant. This disparity means that users seeking a rounded sound may prefer the Cloud - 50g, while those looking for clarity might gravitate toward the Jerrzi Violet.
Interestingly, both keyboards utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which brings a layer of consistency to their overall sound profile. This shared material ensures that both switches elicit that characteristic deeper and fuller sound when bottomed out. Nylon’s softness dominates the auditory experience when a key is fully pressed, resulting in a subdued and rounded sound in both switches. This means that even though the top housings differ fundamentally in terms of material impact on sound, the nylon bottom housing creates a cohesive element that can provide similar tactile feedback and sound upon actuation, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials.
When considering the overall synthesis of sound and feel in these two keyboards, the impact of the top and bottom housings becomes crucial. While the Cloud - 50g's nylon top excels in providing a warm, subdued auditory experience, the Violet’s polycarbonate top is designed for clarity and brilliance in sound. However, users will experience the shared qualities of nylon in both keyboards' bottom housings, leading to a familiar depth and fullness in the actuation. Ultimately, while the differing top housing materials cater to distinct preferences in sound characteristics, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing maintains a certain level of familiarity and performance in both keyboards, making either a viable choice depending on user preference.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger key presses, ideal for users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Violet switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that might appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. However, the Violet switch's bottom out force remains unknown, while the Cloud has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Cloud switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Violet switch may offer more resistance but lacks information on its total pressure required when fully pressed. Consequently, for users who prioritize a lighter switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better option, while those who favor a more tactile experience might lean toward the Jerrzi Violet, albeit with uncertainty regarding its bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Violet has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Violet the more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and hearty feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper keypress. Thus, if you value responsiveness, the Violet is the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Cloud - 50g's longer travel distance may be more satisfying.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch produces a clacky sound profile, which is favored by enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. This bright sound can provide a lively ambiance, making it enjoyable for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature that is less intrusive, allowing for a moderate acoustic response. This makes the Violet a versatile choice, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office, as it maintains a balance that will not disrupt those around you.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g switch boasts a silky smooth actuation, offering a fluid typing experience. Users can expect a seamless transition from key to key, providing a rapid and effortless action that can enhance typing speed and overall satisfaction. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet is a gentle tactile switch that features a stepped tactile profile. This means that it provides a tactile bump during the actuation, offering feedback without being overwhelmingly pronounced. The tactility is felt in distinct stages, which can provide a satisfying experience for those who prefer a little feedback without a harsh or jarring sensation.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Violet switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky, bright typing sound and smooth actuation, the Cloud - 50g may be the ideal match for you. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound that offers gentle tactile feedback with a subtle tactile bump, the Violet switch could be a better fit. Both switches cater to different typing experiences, ensuring that whether you prioritize auditory feedback or tactile engagement, there’s an option tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter key press with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright, engaging typing experience with a silky smooth feel. It caters to those who might type for extended periods and appreciate the subtle auditory feedback without being overly loud. However, if you seek a more balanced typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch would be more suitable. Its gentle tactile feedback ensures a smooth actuation, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a neutral sound signature. The Violet's stepped tactile feel adds a satisfying dimension to your typing without being overwhelming, making it a versatile choice for use in different environments, be it at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a light and clacky typing style or a smooth and balanced tactile feel.
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