HMX Cloud - 50g vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Yoel, both linear switches offer distinct tactile experiences for enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards. The HMX Cloud - 50g is lauded for its lightweight actuation and silky smooth feel, providing a bright and clacky sound profile that many users find appealing, especially for long typing sessions. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, emphasizes a delectable, chewy typing sensation, marked by a pronounced resonance when keys bottom out, creating an immersive auditory experience. While the Cloud - 50g caters to those who appreciate a lighter touch with a crisp sound, the Yoel is ideal for users seeking a richer, creamier interaction that still delivers on a bright and clacky auditory signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
53g
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
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Yoel, one can observe significant differences that influence their respective sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Yoel employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for generating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity in acoustics but also complements designs intended for RGB lighting, given its translucent qualities. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the Cloud - 50g leans towards a more subdued sound, whereas the Yoel showcases a higher-pitched resonance.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar dichotomy in material choice and sound characteristics. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing further to its deep and warm acoustic profile, characterized by a more muted finish. Contrastingly, the Yoel opts for a POM bottom housing that enhances its deep sound quality with a unique resonance. POM (polyoxymethylene) is known for delivering a distinctive sound that's slightly more subdued, providing an engaging typing experience without being overly harsh. Consequently, while the Cloud - 50g combines two nylon pieces to create a cohesive acoustic signature focused on warmth, the Yoel splits its tonal qualities between a sharper polycarbonate top and a more muted POM bottom, leading to a different but equally pleasant sound experience.
In practical terms, the differences in material compositions between the Cloud - 50g and the Yoel highlight the intricate balance of sound produced by each switch. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 50g diminishes the impact of higher frequencies, while the POM bottom housing's deeper sound complements the overall profile. On the other hand, the Yoel's polycarbonate top provides brightness, which is counterbalanced by the more muted POM bottom. Understanding how each housing influences the sound can help users achieve desired auditory outcomes. For those seeking a specific blend of sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique feel and auditory experiences, enabling users to find a preference that suits their typing style or gaming needs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more comfortable typing experience during extended sessions, such as at work or during gaming marathons. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may find satisfying for their typing experience. As a result, while both switches cannot be considered equal, the Cloud - 50g is lighter overall, whereas the Yoel provides a firmer resistance, appealing to those who favor a stronger push when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences for keypress feedback. The Cloud - 50g switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it a deeper option that provides a more pronounced keystroke, which may be favored by users who appreciate a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, appealing to those seeking quicker responsiveness, particularly gamers who prioritize rapid key actuation. Therefore, the Cloud - 50g switch is the longer option, while the Yoel switch is shorter. Users looking for a blend of quick response and pressed depth will need to weigh their preference for a more traditional depth against the benefits of a shallower 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 noted for its clacky sound profile, presenting a bright and lively auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a more vibrant typing environment. While specific descriptors for the Cloud sounds weren't provided, it is generally considered to have a crisp quality that likely complements the clacky characteristics emphasized in the PH Studio Yoel switch. The Yoel linear switch is characterized by its bright and clacky nature, producing a sharp, high-pitched sound reminiscent of crisp marble hitting marble. This compatibility in sound suggests that both switches will provide a similar auditory feedback, perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced sound during use.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience. This contrasts with the PH Studio Yoel's delectably chewy and creamy sensation. The Yoel provides a uniquely satisfying tactile experience that is described as both polished and silky, allowing for an almost effortless keystroke. The overall typing feel for both switches is inclined towards smoothness, but the Yoel's chewy quality might provide a softer, more engaging interaction compared to the Cloud’s more straightforward smoothness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they each cater to slightly different preferences. Sound-wise, both create a lively and expressive typing atmosphere with a clacky profile that enhances the enjoyment of typing. In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud leans towards a silky smoothness, while the Yoel provides a creamier, more tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the sweetness of the Cloud's smoothness or the engaging chewiness of the Yoel. Either way, both options promise satisfying results across sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch largely depends on your individual preferences around actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and enjoy a bright, clacky auditory experience, the Cloud - 50g would be an ideal choice for you. This switch's silky smooth feel makes it particularly appealing for fast-paced typing and gaming, allowing for a swift and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a more moderate actuation with a greater sense of resistance—60 grams at bottom-out—the Yoel switch caters to this preference with its chewy and creamy feel, providing a compelling tactile experience that feels both engaging and satisfying. The resonant, high-pitched sound profile of the Yoel adds another layer of enjoyment to your typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, whether you favor the light, smooth experience of the Cloud - 50g or the medium-resistance, richly textured feel of the Yoel, both switches present their unique advantages that can enhance your typing delight, depending on your personal style and intended use.
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