HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Crabapple mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, there are distinct differences to consider. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored by those who appreciate a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience, offering a bright and smooth feel while categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. On the other hand, the Crabapple switches crafted from POM provide a frictionless typing journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture, emitting a mild and understated sound signature categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured'. Each switch has its unique appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Crabapple, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches use nylon for their top housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Crabapple utilizes POM for its top housing, creating a more muted and deeper sound compared to the HMX Cloud. However, both switches provide a unique and pleasing sound experience that sets them apart from other switch options.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Crabapple use different materials - nylon for the Cloud and POM for the Crabapple. Again, nylon's softer plastic nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while POM offers a more muted and deeper sound with unique characteristics. With the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a slightly different typing experience between the two switches based on the material used for the bottom housing.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HC Studio Crabapple have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer a unique and pleasing sound experience. The nylon and POM materials each bring their own characteristics to the switches, creating distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from nylon or a more muted and unique sound from POM, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is the lighter option while the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier one. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, slightly higher than the actuation force of the Crabapple at 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, heavier than the bottom out force of the Crabapple at 45 grams. This means that while the Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience overall, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more substantial push feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Crabapple may be the preferred choice. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may appreciate the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, we can see that the Cloud - 63.5g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm while the Crabapple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has the shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a faster response time. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying and deep keystroke for those who prefer that feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the specific feel and response desired.
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 HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switch provides a more subdued and dampened sound, offering a subtle sound signature that is mild and understated. Depending on personal preference, the Cloud switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a louder and more pronounced typing experience, while the Crabapple switch caters to users who prefer a quieter and more gentle sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and smooth typing experience with a spring-like feedback and buttery sensation. Conversely, the HC Studio Crabapple switch provides a frictionless and mild typing journey, with a fluid travel and gentle typing experience that minimizes resistance and offers a safe, middle-ground feel. The textural difference between the two switches is also notable, with the Cloud switch providing a silky smooth feel and the Crabapple switch offering a subtle texture felt with each keystroke.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch and the HC Studio Crabapple switch have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cloud switch excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Crabapple switch offers a more subdued and mild sound with a frictionless and textured feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in a switch, both options provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, you should first assess your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more frictionless typing journey with a lighter bottom out force, the Crabapple may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a bouncy and creamy feel or a frictionless and mild typing experience. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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