HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Huano Elf stand out as intriguing options, each catering to distinct preferences in the typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, offering a heavier weight that promotes a bright and engaging typing sensation, complemented by a silky smooth feel. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking a lively auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the Huano Elf provides a unique acoustic experience with its POK top housing, which enhances sound quality and delivers a deeper sound signature. This switch features a medium-light feel, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more subtle yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct benefits that cater to individual preferences: the Cloud - 63.5g for those who relish in the lively sound and tactile feedback, and the Elf for users who appreciate a deeper, more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Elf exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Cloud features a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic not only enhances sound absorption but also yields a duller and rounder sound when typing, which may appeal to users looking for a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf utilizes POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon. While the Elf offers a distinctively clacky and strong sound, it sacrifices some of the deeper tonal qualities that characterize the Cloud’s nylon top.
When considering the bottoms of both switch designs, it is noteworthy that both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Elf employ nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures that both switches deliver a similar deep sound profile during key presses, as the qualities of the nylon material allow for efficient sound absorption. Consequently, the bottom-out feel when typing on either switch will exhibit that familiar, fuller character associated with nylon. This consistency means that users will likely encounter a comparable auditory and tactile sensation when activating the switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches leads to varied yet complementary sound experiences. In the case of the Cloud - 63.5g, the nylon top reduces sound sharpness, while the nylon bottom contributes to a robust sound foundation. The Huano Elf, on the other hand, achieves a brighter, more engaging auditory response from its POK top while maintaining the deep, absorbing characteristics of nylon in its bottom housing. Together, these design elements create a notable contrast in user experience, with each switch bringing its unique appeal to the typing experience while achieving similar performance outcomes from their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, notable differences in their actuation forces emerge. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams, which positions it as a medium-heavy option, while the Elf offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Elf the lighter switch, which could be advantageous for users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cloud switch's heavier actuation force may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the Cloud switch's bottom out force is quantified at 63.5 grams, providing a clear indication of how much force is required to press the switch completely down, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown. This uncertainty means that while the actuation ranges are clear, users will need to consider that the Elf's bottoming out experience remains undefined. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Elf, whereas those desiring a firmer feedback might gravitate towards the Cloud - 63.5g.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Huano Elf linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Cloud switch allows for a deeper and potentially more satisfying feel, which might appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Elf switch might cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it requires less travel to register a keypress. Overall, if you favor a deeper feel, the Cloud switch is the better option, whereas the Elf switch may be more suitable if you prioritize responsiveness in your keystrokes.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 linear switch delivers a notably clacky and high-pitched sound profile that many enthusiasts find appealing. This switch produces a sharp, bright, and percussive noise with each keystroke, making it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Elf linear switch does not have a defined sound profile outlined in the available information, meaning its acoustic characteristics are less understood compared to the Cloud switch. It's important to note, however, that sound can vary greatly depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so individual experiences may differ.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is recognized for its creamy and silky typing experience. The combination of these qualities results in an exceptionally smooth and buttery sensation as you type, allowing for effortless finger gliding across the keys. This smoothness is often enhanced by factory lubrication and the materials used in the switch design. In contrast, the Huano Elf's feel is not clearly described, leaving its tactile characteristics and overall typing experience largely unknown.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its vibrant clacky sound and silky smooth feel, offering a compelling typing experience for enthusiasts who prioritize both auditory and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Huano Elf lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, making it a less defined option in comparison. If you prefer the known qualities of the Cloud switch, you may find it offers a distinct typing experience that aligns with your preferences, while the Elf's unknowns leave room for exploration and discovery. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on how much value you place on the auditory feedback and the smoothness of the feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience paired with a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, renowned for its heavier actuation force and silky smooth feel, could be your ideal pick. This switch is particularly suited for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and engaging auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a focus on acoustics, the Huano Elf may be the better option. The Elf boasts a deeper sound signature with its POK top housing, delivering a rich and satisfying typing experience without the sharper, high-pitched tones of the Cloud. This makes it great for users who seek a smoother and quieter operation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a sharper auditory response and a heftier push with the Cloud or a more subdued, bass-rich experience with the Elf.
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