HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and HMX Cloud - 63.5g stand out as two appealing options for enthusiasts, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, provides a satisfying feedback that many gamers and typists appreciate, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more tactile and robust feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a distinctively clacky sound and a heavier actuation force, suited for users who enjoy a brighter, more vibrant typing experience alongside its silky smooth action. While both switches are categorized as linear, the varying sound profiles and tactile sensations make them appealing for different audiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, we observe a notable distinction in the top housings. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This clarity in sound is particularly amplified when combined with RGB lighting because of the translucency of the polycarbonate. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing that is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more muted acoustic experience. Thus, while both switches serve the function of key pressing, their auditory outputs hinge on the fundamental differences in their top housing materials.
The bottom housings, however, showcase a difference in branding rather than material. Both the HMX 1989 and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is renowned for its sound-absorbing qualities that tend to produce a duller and rounder sound. This consistency means that the tactile feedback while typing will be similar for both switches, as the nylon's characteristics create a similar user experience in terms of sound and feel. While the top housing of each switch distinctly affects the sound during release, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that users will encounter a consistent auditory signature when bottoming out the keys.
Ultimately, the different housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g create unique sound profiles that cater to diverse preferences among typists and gamers. The polycarbonate top of the 1989 delivers a crisp and bright audio, ideal for those who prefer a pronounced keystroke feel, especially appealing in RGB setups. Conversely, the nylon top of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a warmer auditory experience that may resonate more with those who favor a smooth, rich typing sound. Despite these contrasts, the nylon bottom’s influence creates a consistent foundation across both models, ensuring that regardless of the top housing material, the experience of the bottoming out sound remains substantively akin.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving it a more substantial feel. This heavier switch may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer response while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, while the HMX Cloud is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, we find that the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. As the 1989 offers a more traditional travel distance, it may provide a more substantial tactile experience, making it appealing for users who favor the feel of depth when typing. In contrast, the shorter distance of the Cloud - 63.5g aligns with the growing trend towards faster responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers who require quicker key actuations for optimal performance. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the preferable choice, whereas those who appreciate a more classic and hearty feel might find the HMX 1989 more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g 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 - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 1989 switch stands out with its deep and thocky profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a richer, more bassy auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g delivers a clacky sound characteristic that is crisp and bright, offering a percussive response with high-pitched notes. The clackiness of the Cloud switch presents a sharp and snappy sound upon activation, contrasting the 1989's more subdued yet satisfying auditory feedback. It's worth noting that the sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap material used, so personal preference in this domain plays a considerable role.
When exploring the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 is particularly known for its weighted response and stability, which provides a solid typing experience. However, the specific tactile feedback of the 1989 is not detailed here. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g boasts a bouncy and creamy sensation, which contributes to a lively and enjoyable typing rhythm. The bounciness offers a delightful spring-back effect, enhancing the overall typing experience, while the creamy texture allows for smooth transitions between keystrokes. This combination makes the Cloud switch distinctly pleasurable to type on, particularly for those who prioritize fluidity in their key presses.
In summary, the HMX 1989 and HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches cater to distinct preferences in both sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper, thocky sound with stable feedback, the 1989 is an excellent choice. Conversely, if a brighter, clackier auditory profile coupled with a bouncy yet creamy typing experience appeals to you, then the Cloud - 63.5g will undoubtedly impress. Both switches offer unique traits that contribute to the mechanical keyboard experience, and choosing between them ultimately depends on what aspects you prioritize in your typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, your preferences will significantly influence your decision. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 switch will suit you well, particularly if you're looking for that deep, thocky experience that enhances immersion in gaming and typing alike. Its sound profile, although unspecified here, leans towards a more refined auditory experience, making it a great choice for those who appreciate subtlety. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more robust feedback with its heavier 63.5-gram bottom-out force, go for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch. Its clacky sound and bouncy feel provide a lively, responsive typing experience, perfect for those who love a bright, expressive auditory and tactile sensation. This switch is ideal if you like keyboards that pop with sound and have a smooth, creamy touch. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer a lighter, smoother experience or a more dynamic, pronounced typing sensation.
Mentioned in this article
