HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Deep Navy offer distinct yet appealing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g, renowned for its clacky sound profile, is a heavier linear switch that delights enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and lively typing experience. Its bouncy, clacky character, combined with a silky smooth feel, makes it a great option for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile thanks to its full nylon construction. Designed to provide a similar smoothness as the Cloud, the Deep Navy elevates the typing sensation with a refined auditory quality that some users may find more appealing. Both switches effectively balance performance and user preference, making them solid contenders in the mechanical keyboard landscape. 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
40g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Deep Navy both boast similar housing materials, with each switch featuring nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant because nylon is renowned for its acoustic properties, creating a pleasing and rich sound profile during use. The shared nylon composition means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience with both switches, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softness of nylon leads to sound absorption, resulting in a muted and rounded acoustics that many typists find appealing.
In exploring the nuances of the materials, it’s important to note that while both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Deep Navy utilize nylon in their constructions, the overall feel and sound experience may still vary slightly based on factors such as the weight of the switches and individual key design. Although the nylon contributes to a similar auditory quality, the performance will also depend on how these materials interact with the rest of the switch's design. For both switches, the inherent characteristics of the nylon housing will dominate the overall typing experience, ensuring that the sound remains deep and rich regardless of any subtle differences.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Deep Navy guarantee that typists will enjoy comparable experiences when using either switch. The consistent use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings across both models ensures that the acoustic benefits of this material are fully realized. As such, those who value typing acoustics and tactile feedback can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and feel, making either switch an excellent choice for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 63.5g features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This means that users looking for lighter options may favor the Deep Navy for ease of use, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel might lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Overall, the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier of the two, while the Deep Navy is distinctly lighter, reflecting different preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, a clear distinction arises. The Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Deep Navy switch measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Deep Navy switch offers a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker action and feedback. Conversely, the Cloud switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth that some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 distinctively clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. This sharp and percussive sound profile resonates well with those who appreciate a bright typing sensation, making each keystroke feel crisp and responsive. In contrast, while the specific sound qualities of the HMX Deep Navy switch are not provided, its full nylon construction implies that it may produce a richer and more nuanced sound compared to the Cloud. However, it's essential to remember that sound is also influenced by other elements such as the keyboard build and keycap selection, so both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory feedback depending on how they are configured.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bouncy sensation provides a lively feedback that brings a spring-like response upon pressing the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the creamy feel contributes to a buttery smoothness with lubricated switches, making the typing action effortless and pleasant. The HMX Deep Navy switch, on the other hand, lacks specific descriptors for its feel, leaving that aspect a mystery for now. However, many users find that the switch quality aligns with general expectations, often leading to a satisfying experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, with the Cloud switch appealing to those who enjoy a brighter sound and a lively, silky feel. The Deep Navy's sound profile remains to be explored, but its construction suggests potential for a rich auditory experience. Ultimately, while their individual characteristics vary, enthusiasts can expect to enjoy a satisfying performance from either switch, especially given their shared emphasis on smooth keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you prefer a more substantial, medium-heavy feel with a clacky sound, the Cloud - 63.5g is likely the right choice for you. Its 63.5g bottom-out force provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience that can make long typing sessions enjoyable, particularly if you appreciate a bright and high-pitched acoustics in your keyboard sounds. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a lighter touch and a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy switch may be better suited for you, especially given its 45g bottom-out force that allows for quicker, less strenuous typing. While it doesn’t have specified tactile characteristics, the silky smoothness of each keystroke can provide a satisfying experience without fatigue. In short, consider the Cloud for a lively, engaging typing experience, and the Deep Navy for a lighter and more effortless feel.
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