HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron CM mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics catered to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switches stand out for their full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, providing a richer, deeper sound signature and an effortlessly smooth typing journey. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the CM switches deliver a buttery and bassy feel with a low-pitched 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
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron CM use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The nylon material is known for being softer and absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
In terms of the specific top housing of the switches, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron CM have nylon top housings that contribute to the overall sound profile. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience. This means that users of both switches can expect a consistent sound profile and feel when typing, thanks to the nylon top housing that both switches share.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the switches can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. While both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron CM use nylon for their bottom housing, the differences between the two switches may lie in the design or thickness of the bottom housing. Users may notice slight variations in the typing experience based on these differences, but overall, the nylon material ensures a similar level of softness and sound absorption for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams. However, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Gateron CM linear switch with an actuation force of 55 grams. This difference may be negligible for some users, as both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. When it comes to weight, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be preferable for those who prefer a slightly lighter typing experience, which can be more comfortable for extended periods of typing. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron CM has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. The difference may not be significantly noticeable to all users, but it could affect the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Gateron CM, while those who prefer a deeper key press may prefer the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in keyboard switches.
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 Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, offering a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch presents a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer sound signature. The choice between these two switches will heavily depend on your preference for sound, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a crisper sound compared to the CM's more bass-heavy tones.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a lively and smooth feel that allows for a spring-like feedback sensation. In contrast, the Gateron CM switch provides a buttery, polished, and creamy feel, promising a seamless, refined, and silky typing journey. Both switches boast a smooth and effortless typing experience, but the CM switch may offer a slightly more refined and polished feel due to its factory lube job and full nylon housing.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron CM switches each bring a unique sound and feel to the table, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you prefer a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassier sound profile with a buttery and polished typing experience, the Gateron CM switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing journey, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron CM linear switches, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, then the Cloud - 63.5g switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy, thocky, or low-pitched sound with a buttery, polished, or frictionless typing feel, then the Gateron CM switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
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