HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the distinct characteristics and auditory experiences offered by each option. The HMX Cloud - 50g, recognized for its lively clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, appeals to those seeking a bright and responsive typing experience, along with a silky smooth feel that complements fast-paced gaming or typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi presents a unique blend of innovation and aesthetic appeal, featuring a light column that enhances RGB visuals and an all-POM housing contributing to its subdued, thocky sound profile. The airy smoothness of the UPE stem gives a buttery and creamy typing experience that can be particularly satisfying for users who prefer a quieter keystroke. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, whether you're drawn to an engaging auditory experience like that of the HMX Cloud or the refined subtlety of the WS Morandi. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, notable differences are observed in their construction and sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is renowned for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a clicking experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, as the nylon absorbs more vibrations, creating a more muted audio feedback. In contrast, the WS Morandi utilizes POM plastic for both its top and bottom housing. While still delivering a deep sound, POM offers a unique auditory experience due to its different resonant properties, giving the Morandi a slightly muted yet distinct sound profile that sets it apart from the Cloud - 50g.
Despite the difference in material—nylon versus POM—both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the WS Morandi achieve a deeper sound profile, albeit through different approaches. The softness of nylon in the Cloud - 50g allows for a fuller auditory response, while the hardness of POM in the Morandi offers a uniquely muted quality that still retains depth. This suggests that users seeking a rounded sound can find satisfaction in either switch, albeit with a slightly different auditory experience. Furthermore, the varied material compositions may alter the tactile feedback, with the nylon possibly yielding a slightly softer feel compared to the more rigid POM. However, both switches cater to similar preferences in sound depth, appealing to users who appreciate muted and richer acoustic characteristics.
Lastly, both switch models balance their audio qualities across their housings—the interaction of the top and bottom parts in each switch influences the overall typing experience. In the case of the Cloud - 50g, the nylon material will yield a more noticeable impact on sound upon key release, contributing to a fuller acoustic when all keys are engaged. Conversely, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing is integral to its tactile feel, impacting the bottom-out sensation while still contributing to the deeper sound quality characteristic of its design. Thus, while the materials differ, both options present users with desirable sound profiles and tactile experiences, reinforcing that the choice ultimately lies in personal preference between the distinctive properties of nylon and POM.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch reveal distinct preferences for different typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort and endurance during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Morandi exhibits a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel with each keystroke. This differentiation indicates that while the Cloud - 50g is better suited for prolonged use due to its lighter forces, the WS Morandi provides a firmer push that may enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger tactile response. Overall, the choice between these two switches comes down to a balance between comfort and typing feedback, with the Cloud - 50g being the lighter option and the WS Morandi being the heavier one.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel, the Cloud - 50g may better suit your preferences due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, if you prioritize a snappier, more responsive typing or gaming experience, the WS Morandi's shorter distance could provide the quick actuation that many gamers seek. The traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, making both options relatively shallow compared to that standard, yet they cater to differing user preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness. In summary, the Cloud - 50g is the longer switch, offering a more substantial depth, while the WS Morandi provides a more immediate response with its shorter travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile, which tends to create a bright and lively typist experience. This sound offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, making each keystroke engaging and satisfying. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch presents a low-pitched, subdued sound profile that is often described as thocky. This results in a deeper, richer sound that emphasizes a softer and more mellow auditory experience, striking a balance between understated elegance and sufficient keypress feedback without being too distracting.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g excels with its notably silky smooth sensation during use, enhancing the overall typing experience. This smoothness makes repetitive keystrokes feel effortless, appealing to users who prioritize uninterrupted typing flow. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch excels in offering a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, which together creates an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The combination of these sensations allows for a seamless keystroke that feels like gliding your fingers over the keys, thus providing a sophisticated tactile delight.
Overall, both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The HMX Cloud - 50g will resonate with those who appreciate a clacky and bright typing sound paired with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the WS Morandi targets enthusiasts looking for a more subdued, thocky sound, combined with an airy smooth experience. Depending on your personal preferences for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, either switch can offer an enjoyable typing experience, though they inherently lead to different user sensations and auditory aesthetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch should align with your personal preferences in both typing feel and sound characteristics. If you favor a lighter key feel and enjoy a more vibrant, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be an excellent option. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a bright and engaging typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for an exciting and responsive touch. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more medium key feel with a focus on aesthetics and subdued acoustics, the WS Morandi might be your go-to choice. This switch not only features a unique, airy smoothness with its UPE stem but also enhances your RGB visuals with its innovative light column design. The muted, thocky sound profile provides a rich yet soft acoustic experience, perfect for those who prefer a more refined typing ambiance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lively interaction with the keys or a more sophisticated, quieter setup.
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