Gateron Beer vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a lightweight and subtly tactile experience with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a heavier feel with a bright, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience. While the Beer switch is known for being easy to press and stepped in tactility, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy, creamy feel with a high-pitched 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
38g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder. While the materials may differ, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
The choice of housing material for the top components of the Gateron Beer and HMX Cloud - 63.5g greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer produces a crisp and high-pitched sound, ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g creates a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more muted and rounded typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences.
While the top housings of the Gateron Beer and HMX Cloud - 63.5g differ in material, their bottom housings also play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g adds to its deeper and fuller sound. When typing on these switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the varying housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is clear that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer requires 38 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. While both switches offer different levels of feedback, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Beer, while those who enjoy a more forceful typing experience may find the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Cloud's 3.9 mm. The Beer's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Cloud's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the traditional measurement and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preference for response speed versus key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch are described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, the Cloud - 63.5g also adds a high-pitched element to its sound, which can give it a more distinctive auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press with a stepped tactility, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. The switch provides gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth and buttery typing experience. This switch offers a lively feel with a silky sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch share a clacky sound profile, they differ in feel. The Beer switch offers a stepped tactility with easy-to-press keys, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches have their unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the individual prioritizes a subtle tactility with easy key presses or a bouncy and creamy typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a subtle tactile feel with a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force with a bouncy and creamy typing experience accompanied by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be light and airy or medium-heavy and bouncy.
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