HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that cater to distinct typing preferences and experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out with its linear design and clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who revel in a brighter, more exhilarating typing experience. With its silky smooth feel and a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, the Cloud switch is designed for speed and responsiveness, enhancing the joy of typing for gamers and typists who favor uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus is a light tactile switch that strikes a harmonious balance between performance and comfort, making it perfect for long typing sessions. Its delicate tactility provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming, and the removable light column allows users to enjoy vibrant RGB lighting effects that elevate their keyboard aesthetic. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing style—whether you prefer the quick, fluid motion of a linear switch or the subtle tactile feedback of a tactile variant. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ultimate switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock White Lotus switches, the most notable difference lies in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more muted key press sound when typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE blend for its top housing, which offers a unique and premium tactile feel. While the nylon in the Cloud - 50g is praised for its acoustic qualities, the White Lotus's blend might provide a different sonic experience—presumably sharper and more pronounced due to the harder nature of the materials used.
Both switches, however, employ nylon for their bottom housing, creating a commonality that goes beyond just aesthetics. As nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to absorb sound, both configurations will facilitate a rounded and warm sound signature when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall auditory experience of both switches, ensuring that, regardless of the top housing material, some acoustic benefits from the deep and fuller sound signature remain intact. This highlights how the bottom housing establishes a level of consistency in sound between the two switches, even when their top housings differ.
Moreover, when considering the impact of each housing material, it's essential to recognize how these attributes interact during use. The bottom housing predominantly influences the key press's bottom-out feel and sound while the top housing's effect is more pronounced during the release phase of the key press. Therefore, while the Cloud - 50g and Durock White Lotus switches might diverge in their top housing characteristics, the nylon used in both their bottom housing helps bridge any disparities in tactile feedback and sound. This common ground ensures that users can expect a rich auditory experience, regardless of the specific switch type they select.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches allow for rapid key presses, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option overall, facilitating prolonged use with less finger fatigue, whereas the White Lotus offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find preferable. Overall, if you're seeking an experience with less resistance, the HMX Cloud is the way to go, while the Durock White Lotus provides a heftier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find a slight distinction. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the White Lotus offers a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud - 50g the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a quicker response, which can be beneficial for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile experience that some users might prefer if they enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key feel.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 linear switch presents a clacky tone that caters to users who relish in a bright and expressive auditory experience while typing. This contrasts with the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more subdued and mellow auditory backdrop. The sound quality from both switches can vary based on the keyboard build and keycaps used, but generally, those seeking an engaging and somewhat playful sound will gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, while users in quieter environments might prefer the restrained acoustics of the White Lotus.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience that's ideal for fast-paced keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for gamers or typists who prioritize fluidity. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus delivers a light tactile sensation that strikes a delicate balance, promoting comfortable typing sessions without overwhelming the user with pronounced resistance. The White Lotus switches are designed to be easy to press, ensuring minimal finger fatigue, which is especially beneficial during extended usage. Overall, while the Cloud - 50g emphasizes smoothness, the White Lotus focuses on a gentle tactile feedback, making them appealing to different types of users.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Durock White Lotus switches cater to distinct preferences in both sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g's clackiness and silky smoothness suits those who want a lively typing experience, while the White Lotus's low-pitched and mild tactile feel makes it perfect for a more serene environment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience or a gentle tactile feedback that allows for sustained comfort during long typing sessions. Both switches offer unique merits and can help users tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their specific needs and settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard play a significant role. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a delightful clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a brighter typing experience and may be typing in a more casual setting or gaming scenario. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances subtle tactility with a low-pitched, neutral sound, the Durock White Lotus should be your go-to option, especially if you plan to engage in extended typing sessions or require a quieter operation in shared spaces. Its easy-to-press characteristics, combined with the removeable light column for impressive RGB effects, make it suitable for both work and leisure. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a lively typing experience or prefer a more subdued, comfortable feel while engaging in longer typing tasks.
Mentioned in this article
