HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai offer unique features that cater to different preferences among enthusiasts. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for those who crave a bright typing experience without much resistance. Its silky smooth feel enhances the overall tactile feedback, encouraging fast typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is designed with a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that provides a crisp and higher-pitched resonance. This switch strikes a balance between bounciness and a creamy texture, appealing to users seeking subtle sophistication in their typing experience. While both switches have their merits, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a refined acoustic quality. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai feature nylon as their primary housing material, comprising both the top and bottom housings. This commonality allows both switches to produce similar auditory profiles characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's relatively soft properties contribute to a muted sound experience, as it minimizes vibrations and absorbs sound waves more effectively compared to harder plastics. As a result, users of both switches can expect a pleasant typing experience, highlighted by a duller and rounder sound that many enthusiasts appreciate.
While the overall housing composition of both switches is identical, it's important to note that the qualities elicited by each housing can vary depending on the housing's position in the switch. For instance, with both the Cloud - 50g and the Xinhai utilizing nylon for both top and bottom housings, the sound profile remains consistent throughout each switch action. The bottom housing directly influences the bottom-out sound, giving it a unique character, whereas the top housing contributes to the sound experienced when releasing a key. This balance allows for a harmonious typing experience that combines the strengths of both housings.
Despite the shared material composition, one might consider any potential differences in design or internal components that could affect the overall performance of each switch. However, since both switches utilize the same nylon material in their housings, any variances that do exist would likely not disrupt the fundamental auditory characteristics influenced by the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Users can thus expect a cohesive typing experience across both models if maintained with similar designs and functionalities, ensuring that they achieve a comparable performance in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a comfortable typing experience, especially during extended use. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Xinhai switch is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more appealing for those who type for long periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. While the actuation forces differ, resulting in a lighter pressing feel for the Xinhai, both switches exhibit a relatively close range of bottoming out forces — with the Cloud - 50g being slightly firmer. Users who prefer a lighter touch will likely enjoy the Xinhai, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might opt for the Cloud - 50g for its firmer bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we see a distinction that may influence user preference based on individual typing styles. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Xinhai offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference makes the Xinhai the more responsive option, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker keystrokes, as its shorter travel allows for faster key actuation. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer 3.9 mm travel distance, provides a deeper and more satisfying keypress for users who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more substantial feel while typing.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g showcases a lively clacky sound profile that appeals to fans of a bright and engaging typing experience. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback is unmistakably crisp and percussive, making each keystroke feel distinctly satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai offers a more subtle acoustic quality characterized by its softer sound. The unique PA12 top housing contributes to this gentle profile, combining with the POM stem to produce a higher-pitched resonance that feels elegant and refined, avoiding the brashness found in the Cloud - 50g. Thus, while both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience they cater to different sound preferences, with the Cloud - 50g in the lively camp and the Xinhai leaning towards sophistication.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is exceptionally smooth, providing a silky typing experience that ensures a seamless interaction with each keystroke. This smoothness allows for precise control and a satisfying sense of ease while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai delivers a more dynamic tactile experience characterized by a bouncy sensation. This "spring-like" quality generates a lively feedback with every press, giving users a delightful rebound. Additionally, the creamy nature of the Xinhai switch adds a buttery smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience by allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, creating a luxurious typing sensation. Hence, while both switches have a smooth aspect, the Cloud - 50g excels in effortless fluidity, while the Xinhai combines liveliness with a creamy tactility.
Ultimately, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai linear switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g is perfect for those who prioritize a bright and clacky auditory feedback along with a seamlessly smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Xinhai caters to users seeking a more subdued sound combined with a lively and creamy feel, establishing a perfect balance of precision and comfort. Each switch offers unique attributes that will appeal to different types of keyboard enthusiasts, but both ensure a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and sound sensitivity. If you favor a more lively and bright typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a reassuring feedback while still maintaining a silky smoothness that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer acoustic environment combined with a distinct, bouncy feel, the Xinhai switch would serve you well. With its lighter, more sophisticated touch, it offers a creamy typing sensation and a crisper sound, making it suitable for users who desire a balance of subtle elegance and precise performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience or a refined, nuanced feedback during your typing sessions.
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