Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer two distinct experiences. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter typing feel. With a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, this switch offers a different sensation compared to the clicky Box Jades. 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
50g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g lies in the materials used for their housing components. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. These contrasting properties result in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the Cloud - 63.5g employ nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, the switches may still exhibit differences in sound and feel due to the varying top housing materials. Users may notice a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feel of a mechanical switch. While the Box Jade and the Cloud - 63.5g both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Box Jade's top housing creates a brighter sound profile, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound. This distinction in housing materials highlights the importance of material selection in designing mechanical switches to cater to different preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offer different experiences for users. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g which requires 56 grams to actuate, making the Box Jade the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the Cloud - 63.5g needs 63.5 grams, making the Cloud - 63.5g the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box Jade for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g for a heavier key press. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Cloud - 63.5g provides a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Box Jade for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of key press depth 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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright and snappy typing experience. Both switches excel in providing distinctive sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing feel.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience, with a medium amount of tactility and a reactive feel that immerses the user in their typing session. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch boasts a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery feel with each keystroke. While the two switches offer different tactile experiences, both aim to deliver a satisfying and comfortable typing feel to users.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch each have their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, ideal for those who enjoy a clicky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, so users can expect excellent results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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