Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, both of which are linear switches. The CAP Anniversary is praised for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its novel CAP structure, designed with aerodynamic principles to reduce resistance and enhance smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing feel. While the CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Cloud - 63.5g is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. 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
65g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound-absorbing properties. This means that when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a more muted and round sound upon bottoming out. However, the CAP Anniversary utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing materials may result in a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound clarity and resonance.
In terms of aesthetics, the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing lacks this translucency, limiting its visual customization options. Both switches prioritize sound quality, with the nylon bottom housings providing a deep and full sound profile, while the differing top housing materials offer contrasting sound characteristics. Whether users prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with the CAP Anniversary or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Cloud - 63.5g may depend on personal preference.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound profile and aesthetic customization. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deep and full sound, the CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing provides a more muted and round sound experience. Whether users prioritize visual customization or sound characteristics will determine which switch is the best fit for their typing needs.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, we see that the CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g at 56 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, with the CAP Anniversary being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the CAP Anniversary for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.9 mm travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary being on the longer end and the Cloud - 63.5g being slightly shorter. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Cloud - 63.5g due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
The CAP Anniversary switch is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, with a unique stem design that reduces resistance and wobble, providing stability and a minimal wobble. In terms of sound, the CAP Anniversary switch does not have a specific descriptor, but it is likely to produce a smooth and muted sound profile due to its design. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappy and creamy sensation, offering a buttery typing experience with reduced friction. Similarly, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is also described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bouncy feedback sensation. Overall, while the CAP Anniversary switch focuses on smoothness and stability, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch emphasizes a bright and crisp typing experience with a lively feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider the key characteristics of each switch. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke experience with minimal wobble and resistance, the CAP Anniversary may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound profile and a heavier key feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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