SP-Star Ayara vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both stand out as linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Ayara offers a medium heftiness that provides a hearty typing experience, along with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a brighter typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel. While the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Cloud - 63.5g is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
N/A
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Two-stage
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, which are known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This similarity in housing materials ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches.
Despite the shared use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the Ayara and the Cloud - 63.5g may still exhibit slight differences in sound and feel due to other factors such as spring weight, stem material, and overall switch design. While the nylon housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, these additional variables can influence the sound and feel of the switches in unique ways. Therefore, users may notice subtle distinctions between the two switches beyond just the housing material.
Overall, the decision between the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may come down to personal preferences in terms of typing sound, feel, and performance. Both switches offer a similar typing experience thanks to their nylon housing materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a slightly softer or firmer bottom-out sound, or a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, these switches provide a reliable and consistent typing experience that is sure to satisfy most keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cloud - 63.5g, which has an actuation force of 56 grams. On the other hand, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, slightly lighter than the Cloud -63.5g's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while the Cloud - 63.5g requires a bit more force to start a keystroke, it also provides a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ayara for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, we can see that the Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's 3.9 mm. While the Ayara offers a more traditional travel distance, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a slightly shorter distance which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Ayara with its longer travel distance, while those who prefer a quicker and more responsive feel may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, both switches provide a different tactile experience, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch provides a neutral and clacky sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, looking for a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. Both switches share a high-pitched sound profile, ensuring a crisp and sharp auditory feedback for those who prefer it.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch offers a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to a refined finish or factory lubing. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience that caters to different preferences, ensuring users can find the right fit for their typing style and preferences.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a clacky and medium-hefty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel, or a bright and heavier typing experience with silky smooth feedback, both switches offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but rest assured that regardless of your choice, you will experience quality and satisfaction in your keystrokes.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium heftness and a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier switch and appreciate a bright, clacky sound along with a silky smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel. With this information, you can make an informed decision based on your individual preferences and needs.
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