HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the BSUN Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch. The Cloud - 63.5g is praised for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch is renowned for its long pole stem, providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. These medium-weight switches offer significant tactile feedback with a satisfying bump at each press, creating a lively and engaging typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Dragon Fruit, we see a clear difference in the materials used for the top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique sonic characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics, with nylon offering a mellower tone and polycarbonate delivering a more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Dragon Fruit feature nylon as the material of choice. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar acoustic experience when typing, as the qualities of this material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still differ based on other factors such as keycap material, stem design, and switch weight.
In considering the impact of using different materials for the top and bottom housings, it becomes evident that each part contributes unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing, being in direct contact with the key press, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This distinction highlights the importance of material choice in achieving desired sound qualities and tactile feedback. Whether nylon or polycarbonate, the selection of housing materials in a switch ultimately shapes the user's typing experience and can significantly impact preferences based on individual preferences for sound profile and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch both fall within the medium-heavy range. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Dragon Fruit, but they both have similar bottom out forces. This means that users can expect a lighter initial press with the Cloud - 63.5g, but a similar typing experience once fully pressed down with either switch. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter initial press may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g, while those seeking a heavier overall typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit tactile switch provides a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, quicker keypress or a slightly longer, more pronounced press.
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 Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound signature is bright, percussive, and high-pitched, offering a lively auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch also offers a clacky sound, contributing to an engaging typing experience. While specific sound descriptions for the Dragon Fruit switch are not provided, it can be inferred that both switches offer similar auditory feedback. Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy sensation, delivering a smooth and elastic typing experience. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, emphasizing a definitive tactile bump with moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback that suits enthusiasts who prefer a dynamic typing feel. In conclusion, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch excels in its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offers a prominent tactile bump and a distinct typing experience with its sharp and snappy feedback. Typists looking for a bright sound and a bouncy feel may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g, while those seeking a sharper tactile sensation might opt for the Dragon Fruit switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go. On the other hand, if you crave a lively and engaging typing experience with a sharp and definitive tactile feedback, the Dragon Fruit switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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