HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are both linear switches designed for enthusiasts, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, providing typists with a bright auditory experience that pairs nicely with its silky smooth feel. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate responsive feedback without excessive resistance. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) is engineered for users seeking a more substantial typing experience, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that produces softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, high-pitched resonance. This heavier variant celebrates a blend of sophistication and precise performance, appealing to those who favor a more tactile and pronounced feel in each keystroke. Both switches offer compelling benefits, but their differences may sway your decision significantly; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches are strikingly similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized in the mechanical keyboard community for its classic qualities, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its inherent softness compared to harder plastics allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users of both switch models will likely enjoy similar acoustic feedback, enhancing their typing experience with a level of richness and depth that nylon uniquely offers.
Another important aspect to consider is the effect of the nylon material on the tactile feel of the switches. Since both the Cloud - 50g and Xinhai (Heavy) employ the same nylon formulation for both their top and bottom housings, they share similar tactile feedback characteristics. As users press down on either switch, the bottom housing's acoustics will dictate the bottom-out sound and feel. The softness of the nylon provides a satisfying "thud" when the key reaches its lowest point, fostering a robust typing experience. In essence, the design choices behind both models ensure that users remain comfortable and satisfied while typing, irrespective of which switch they use.
Lastly, while the switches may differ in their external design or branding, the common use of nylon across both the Cloud - 50g and the Xinhai (Heavy) solidifies the foundation of their performance. Users can confidently expect a consistent typing experience, characterized by the same sound dampening properties and tactile feedback associated with nylon. When the key is released, the sound produced by the top housing also relies on the same nylon properties, meaning that both switches will conspire to deliver an equally pleasing auditory experience. Thus, whether opting for the Cloud or the Xinhai, users can anticipate the same quality and enjoyment resultant from the shared housing materials in these mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for extended typing sessions and frequent use. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This means that while the Cloud switch facilitates quicker keystrokes with less effort, the Xinhai switch provides a firmer push-back, appealing to those who appreciate a stronger tactile response. Ultimately, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier option, which can impact user experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we observe a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For those who prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) may be preferable due to its reduced travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key actuation, an advantage often sought by gamers. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Cloud - 50g offering a more pronounced key press and the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizing speed and rapid response.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, which delivers a bright and engaging auditory experience reminiscent of classic linear switches. This makes it particularly appealing to typists and gamers who appreciate an energetic soundscape while they type. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a softer acoustic experience thanks to its PA12 top housing, which contributes to a more subdued sound compared to the Cloud - 50g. This combination leads to a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem, balancing sophistication with performance. Ultimately, both switches will produce different sound characteristics based on the keyboard they are paired with and the type of keycaps used, making personal preference a significant factor in selecting the right switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth operation, allowing for seamless key presses that enhance the typing experience. This fluidity can lead to quick and responsive typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a different tactile experience, combining its heavier actuation force with the POM stem's unique texturing for a more pronounced and controlled keystroke. While both switches fall within the linear category, the difference in their weights and materials means that users may notice significant variations in how they engage with each switch, catering to distinct tactile preferences.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both belong to the linear switch family, they differ in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g prides itself on a bright, clacky sound and a silky smooth keypress, appealing to those who favor a lively auditory experience. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more subtle acoustic profile along with a heavier feel that allows for a unique blend of precision and control. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and the tactile experience while typing or gaming.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider what kind of typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel make it ideal for those who enjoy a more vibrant and responsive typing experience, perfect for fast-paced gaming and lively typing sessions. On the other hand, if you find yourself gravitating towards a switch that offers a bit more resistance, the Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5 grams of force provides a firmer typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially for prolonged use. Its PA12 top housing allows for softer acoustics, while the POM stem delivers a crisp and distinct resonance, making it suitable for users who appreciate a nuanced auditory experience alongside a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel, ensuring that your keyboard enhances rather than hinders your typing comfort and enjoyment.
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