HMX Cheese vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer distinct typing experiences for enthusiasts to consider. The Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to those who prefer a brighter typing experience, with a clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel. The Cheese switch is lighter than the Cloud - 63.5g, making it a great choice for those who prefer lighter switches, while the Cloud - 63.5g appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a heavier feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g feature nylon top and bottom housings, making them quite similar in terms of the housing materials used. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile that nylon housings are known for.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may be slight differences in sound and feel due to the placement of the housing material. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the HMX Cheese, typically has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing, like that of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. These nuances in housing placement may result in subtle variations in typing experience between the two switches, despite their shared use of nylon material.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese and HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature nylon top and bottom housings that contribute to a similar overall sound profile, the slight differences in housing placement may lead to variations in typing experience. The use of nylon ensures that both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings, giving typists a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether typing on the Cheese or the Cloud - 63.5g, users can expect a premium typing experience with a unique sound signature that sets these switches apart.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a light typing experience. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a medium-heavy typing feel. The Cheese switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of 3.9 mm for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch. The Cheese provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for a faster gaming experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bit more depth in the keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese switch offers a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is unmatched in its smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that caters to those who enjoy a bright typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, depending on your personal preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch provides an unparalleled smooth typing experience that is pristine and satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation with a silky smooth touch. These differences in feel can greatly impact the typing experience and comfort level for users, so it's essential to consider what type of typing feel you prefer before choosing a switch.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a clacky and crispy sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a bright and high-pitched sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preference for key press weight and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter key press with a satisfying clacky sound, opt for the HMX Cheese switch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy key press weight and a clacky, bright typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the better choice for you. Whichever switch you choose, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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