Huano Acacia vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight and excellent factory lubrication, offering an incredibly smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, with minimal stem wobble that enhances keystroke precision. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch caters to enthusiasts who favor a heavier switch with a distinct clacky sound profile, providing a bright and engaging auditory typing experience alongside its silky smooth feel. While the Acacia is ideal for users looking for effortless and precise key presses, the Cloud’s bouncy and creamy characteristics appeal to those who appreciate a bit of feedback in their typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in their design choices, particularly in the top housing material. The Huano Acacia employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This results in clearer and more resonant audio feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, allowing the light to diffuse beautifully through the switch. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which offers a softer and warmer sound profile characterized by a deeper, fuller tone. Nylon’s softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience.
While both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, in terms of overall performance, the housing materials create distinct auditory experiences. The nylon in both the Acacia and the Cloud - 63.5g contributes to a rounder and deeper sound profile, which is particularly noticeable during the actuation and bottom-out phases of typing. Since the bottom housing largely influences the feel and sound upon bottoming out, the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities in both switches foster a forgiving, quiet typing experience. However, the stark contrast between the Acacia’s polycarbonate top housing and the Cloud’s nylon top housing introduces a unique dynamic. The Cloud's top housing might provide a more muted sound, whereas the Acacia is likely to serve those who prefer a brighter, more pronounced auditory feedback.
In examining the overall results and user experience, the differing properties of the top housings in conjunction with their shared nylon bottom housings hint at a tailored performance depending on user preference. While both the Huano Acacia and HMX Cloud - 63.5g are designed to offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different sound profiles. If one seeks a more vibrant and crisp sound, the Acacia’s polycarbonate will excel, while those inclined toward a warmer, rounder audio experience will favor the Cloud’s nylon top. Despite their differences, it's worth noting that users can achieve satisfying performance with either switch based on personal sound preferences and tactile feedback expectations, making both switches viable choices for a mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different typing preferences. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cloud switch has a heftier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a firmer key feel for a more substantial typing experience. As a result, users who opt for the Acacia are likely to find less finger fatigue over long periods, whereas the Cloud switch might be favored by those seeking a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Acacia is the lighter option, while the Cloud is the heavier choice, each offering unique advantages based on user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is clear that there is a measurable difference between the two. The Huano Acacia switch boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option that caters to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, providing a slightly deeper feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Acacia switch might be the better choice, while the Cloud switch offers a more traditional depth that some users may find more comfortable. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference regarding keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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 Huano Acacia switch is noted for its relatively subdued yet pleasant acoustic profile. While it may not be as vibrant as some other options, it provides a satisfying auditory experience that is less intrusive, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch features a distinctly clacky sound profile that is both bright and crisp, lending itself well to an enthusiastic typing experience. The high-pitched accents make each keystroke feel percussive and lively, ideal for those who revel in the audible feedback of their typing.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch offers a delightful typing experience, characterized by minimal stem wobble and excellent factory lubrication. This combination allows for a smooth actuation right from the start, providing a reliably consistent feel as you type. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, on the other hand, delivers an engaging experience marked by its bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy nature gives a lively feedback, while the creamy texture ensures each keystroke feels silky and effortless, creating a dynamic typing rhythm that many enthusiasts appreciate.
In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they ultimately provide satisfying experiences in their own right. The Acacia is ideal for those who favor a quieter, smooth typing experience, while the Clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel of the Cloud - 63.5g will appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Depending on your needs, you can find joy in either switch, each bringing its unique character to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of feedback you enjoy. If you prefer a lighter actuation that requires less force, along with a smooth and silky experience right out of the box, the Acacia is a fantastic choice. Its moderate bottom-out force of 55 grams and minimal stem wobble make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you're looking to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek a heavier switch that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile alongside a bouncy, elastic feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the way to go. This switch, with its 63.5-gram bottom-out force, provides a lively feedback sensation that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it perfect for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and sound preference to ensure a satisfying user experience.
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