Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff, a tactile switch, provides a medium level of tactility coupled with a crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes without excessive noise. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, renowned for its bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel, presents a heavier switch option that delivers a bright and engaging auditory experience. This linear switch is perfect for typists who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keypress that still retains a satisfying sound profile. While both switches have their distinct advantages—whether you're inclined toward tactile feedback or a silky-smooth typing feel—it's essential to explore their intricacies further so you can determine which switch truly aligns with your personal typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 Bsun Cliff and HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Bsun Cliff employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it particularly attractive for users who enjoy an articulate and resonant typing experience. This is further enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound because of its softer composition. Nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder, more subdued auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material choice contributes to distinct typing experiences between the two switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bsun Cliff and HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilize nylon, which leads to similarities in their acoustic performances. Since nylon is a classic choice for switch housings, both models can produce a deeper sound that is characteristic of this material. The softer nature of nylon creates a punchy bottom-out sound while also dampening unwanted noise, resulting in a more controlled auditory environment. Regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the nylon bottoms provide a common acoustic anchor, ensuring that users will experience a similar depth and richness in sound when typing on both switches.
Overall, the variations in top housing materials between the Bsun Cliff and HMX Cloud - 63.5g create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cliff's polycarbonate top delivers a crisper sound ideal for those who value clarity, the Cloud's nylon top provides a softer and fuller typing experience. However, the use of nylon in both bottom housings allows for consistent qualities in sound absorption and depth, assuring users that they can expect a robust performance from both switches. Thus, while the character of the top renderings may differ, the shared nylon bottom housing plays a pivotal role in unifying their overall auditory delivery.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, notable differences in weight and feel emerge. The Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a softer touch, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force that matches its name at 63.5 grams. This medium-heavy resistance provides a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a firmer push feel. Thus, while the Bsun Cliff is the lighter option suited for comfort and endurance, the HMX Cloud offers a stronger response that may appeal to users looking for durability in their keystrokes. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Cliff would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a more resistant typing experience with a reinforced feel would benefit from the HMX Cloud switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features 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. This means that the Cliff switch offers a more responsive feel at a shorter depth, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Cloud switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience that some users find more satisfying. If you're looking for faster response times, the Cliff's shorter travel distance could be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key press might prefer the Cloud. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances indicates that the Bsun Cliff is the shorter option, and the HMX Cloud is the longer one, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, the Cliff is characterized by a medium tactility with a crisp sound signature, making it a pleasant choice for those who prefer a defined auditory feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more distinct clacky sound profile, described as sharp, bright, and percussive, which appeals to users who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. The higher-pitched sound of the Cloud is particularly noticeable and can be favored over deeper, bassier switch sounds. It’s important to note that the sound produced by both switches may be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycaps used, but enthusiasts can expect the Cliff to deliver a defined sound while the Cloud adds a more dynamic auditory dimension.
On the tactile feel, the Cliff boasts a medium tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced, which can be ideal for users who prefer a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is lauded for its bouncy, spring-like feedback, paired with a creamy sensation that results in a smooth, buttery keystroke. This combination gives the Cloud a lively character that encourages quick typing with an almost effortless glide across the keys. While the Cliff focuses on a more subtle engagement, the Cloud promotes a lively response that might better suit those who enjoy a more interactive feel during use.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff and HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches offer distinct experiences, both in sound and feel. The Cliff provides a crisp, medium tactile feedback ideal for users seeking a balanced auditory experience with consistent engagement, while the Cloud enhances the typing experience with its clacky sound and creamy, bouncy feel. Depending on your typing style and preferences, both switches can cater to different needs, but if you are after a lively and dynamic interaction with your keyboard, the Cloud is the way to go, whereas if you appreciate a refined tactile sensation, the Cliff would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a lighter touch and prefer tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Cliff may be your ideal match. Its medium tactility and crisp sound signature lend themselves well to a satisfying typing experience, especially for casual users or those who like to type quickly. Conversely, if you are an enthusiast who values a robust and engaging typing sound paired with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g solidly fits the bill. Its higher bottom-out force provides a firmer typing experience, complemented by a lively, bouncy feel and a bright, clacky sound profile that can elevate your gaming or typing sessions. Thus, consider what you prioritize—lightness and tactility with the Cliff or weight and smoothness with the Cloud—and choose the switch that resonates with your unique preferences.
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