Kailh Box White vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer distinct typing experiences. The Box White switch is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback with a crunchy feel and accented tactility, perfect for those who enjoy a resonant and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. 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
Yes
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those seeking a crisper keystroke experience. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, giving typists a more subdued and rounded typing feel. While both materials excel in their own right, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound and tactile feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to typists looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of each switch may vary due to the different top housing materials used. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience and how they can influence the sound and feel of each keystroke.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches both incorporate nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, their differing top housing materials provide unique auditory and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White offers a sharper and crisper sound, contrasted by the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is evident that the Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's 56 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g needs 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required. The Box White provides a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, while the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box White being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box White, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel distance.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch is best known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy qualities, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a bright and crisp typing experience. While both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, the Box White leans towards a more resonant and crunchy sound, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes a clacky and sharp tone. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound aesthetics.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience reminiscent of gliding across the keys. While the Box White focuses on a polished feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncier and creamier typing sensation. As with sound, the decision between the two will depend on individual preference for typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Box White excels in providing a resonant and crunchy sound with a polished typing feel, while the Cloud - 63.5g delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound alongside a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound with a smoother feel (Box White) or a brighter, clackier sound with a bouncier sensation (Cloud - 63.5g). Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a premium typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you value maximum audio feedback with a sharp and crunchy sound profile, along with a tactile feel, then the Box White switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound profile with a smooth and bouncy typing sensation, then the Cloud - 63.5g switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize audio feedback and tactility or a smooth and bouncy typing experience.
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