Bsun Akashi vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing combination, offering a distinctive sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g boasts a clacky sound profile and heavier weight, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Cloud - 63.5g is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'High-pitched', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own appeal depending on your preference for sound, feel, and keypress feedback. 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
37g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
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 extended spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will likely produce a similar duller and rounder sound when typing. However, the Akashi uses a POM top housing, which creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material may result in a slightly varying sound experience when typing on these switches.
In terms of construction, the Bsun Akashi features a POM top housing, known for its pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. In comparison, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both switches have nylon bottom housings that contribute to a similar dull and round sound profile, the contrasting top housing materials may lead to a noticeable difference in sound when typing on these switches. This variation in sound quality between the two switches can provide users with a choice between a more unique and muted sound (Akashi) or a fuller and deeper sound (Cloud - 63.5g).
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, while the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a fuller and deeper sound experience. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar dull and round sound profile. However, the varying top housing materials will impact the overall sound when typing on these switches, providing users with a choice between different sound qualities based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is the lighter option. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy in comparison. The Akashi provides a smoother and easier keystroke with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Cloud - 63.5g switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi switch. While both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0mm, the slight difference of 0.2 mm may not be significantly noticeable to the average user. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akashi switch, while users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively similar experience for users in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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, both the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches are described as having a "clacky" sound profile. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright tone. The Akashi offers a unique sound contrast due to its UPE stem and hybrid housing, resulting in a rich and resonant acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g is known for catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience, which contributes to its clacky sound profile. Ultimately, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a sharp and percussive sound, both of these switches will provide similar results in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Akashi is described as offering a variety of sensations such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate that the Akashi switch provides a smooth, effortless, and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g is described as having a "bouncy" and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy feel, the Akashi excels in providing a range of different tactile experiences for users to choose from. If you enjoy switches with a smooth and buttery feel, both of these switches will offer a similar typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While they both produce a clacky sound profile, the Akashi provides a more varied tactile experience with its range of feel descriptors. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g caters to enthusiasts who prefer a brighter and bouncier typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a light and smooth feel with a unique sound profile, the Akashi would be the way to go. Its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel offers a silky typing sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bright and clacky sound, the Cloud - 63.5g is the better choice for you. Its bouncy and creamy feel provides a lively typing experience that is sure to satisfy enthusiasts looking for a more tactile response. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what type of typing experience you prefer.
Mentioned in this article
