Bsun Pine vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Pine stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, appealing to those who value direct tactility and fast action. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. While the Pine is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Cloud - 63.5g falls under bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine is known for its clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bsun Pine and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g use nylon, which is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. As a result, the typing experience on both switches will feel similar in terms of the sound and feedback generated when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g differ in their top housing materials, they both share the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This means that the sound profile and typing experience of the two switches will have similarities in terms of the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing. However, the differences in the top housing materials will create variations in the sound profile when releasing a key, with the Pine's polycarbonate top housing delivering a sharper sound compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom-out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch both fall within the medium-heavy range. The Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cloud's 56 grams, making it more sensitive to keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Pine requires a heavier force of 65 grams, while the Cloud is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams. This means that the Pine may provide a more tactile typing experience with a lighter initial press and a more substantial bottoming out feel. In contrast, the Cloud offers a slightly heavier actuation force but requires less force to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Pine tactile switch. The Pine tactile switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, with a distance that is below the traditional 4.0mm mark, making it ideal for those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who like a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, so ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its sharp and distinct sound when pressed, providing a clear auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is bright and percussive, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced and lively typing experience. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience for users, with the Pine delivering a sharper sound and the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more tactile and spring-like feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile sensation that is prominent and responsive. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively rebound when pressed. While the Pine switch excels in providing a sharp and tactile feedback for users, the Cloud - 63.5g switch focuses on delivering a silky smooth sensation that enhances the typing flow and comfort.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a sharper and more direct tactile feedback with a distinct sound profile, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a smoother and more spring-like typing experience with a clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Pine for a more pronounced and sharp typing experience or the Cloud - 63.5g for a smoother and bouncy sensation. Both switches guarantee an immersive and enjoyable typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel while typing, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual typing style and what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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