HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the nuances between different options, such as the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force, making it ideal for those who crave a more tactile, high-pitched typing experience. This switch’s combination of a silky smooth feel and its unique bouncy character can enhance the joy of typing for users who want a bright auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a more budget-friendly choice without compromising on performance. Known for its smooth, reliable operation, this switch delivers a poppy sound profile that appeals to those seeking a quieter and more consistent experience. While both switches have their distinct advantages—whether it's the engaging acoustic feedback of the HMX Cloud or the cost-effectiveness and reliability of the Everfree Cedar—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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches, we see a distinct contrast between their top housings, with the Cloud utilizing nylon and the Everfree featuring polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Cloud yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which helps to absorb sound effectively. This results in a rounder auditory experience, making it more suitable for users who prefer a muted typing sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Everfree produces a sharper and crisper sound. This material's rigidity allows for greater resonance, creating a higher-pitched typing experience that tends to be more aesthetically pleasing in setups featuring RGB lighting. Therefore, while both switches are designed to deliver distinct auditory experiences, the Cloud's nylon top offers a more subdued acoustics, while the Everfree’s polycarbonate provides clarity and brightness.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches share a common material: nylon. This consistency means that both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing perspective. Since the nylon is a classic switch housing material that absorbs more sound, the bottom-out sound will be similarly muted across both switches. The commonality in the bottom housing can lead to comparable feel and auditory feedback when the key is pressed down, creating a cohesive typing experience. Thus, users looking for a combination of both switches can expect a familiar acoustic response from the bottom housing when typing.
Ultimately, the differing properties of the top housings will primarily shape the overall audio character of each switch, while the nylon bottom housing acts as a unifying factor that contributes to both switches' tactile and auditory familiarity. This unique combination means that while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g will present a smoother and rounder acoustic experience driven by its nylon top, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar will contrast with its brighter and more resonant sound profile. Nevertheless, both switches will share similar responses at the bottom-out phase due to their nylon bottom housing, leading to a unique yet cohesive typing experience that caters to diverse user preferences in auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches, notable differences in their actuation force emerge. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams, while the Everfree has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Cloud switch requires a bit more pressure to actuate compared to the Everfree, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a heavier feel while typing or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud switch has a defined bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that it offers a substantial push when fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unavailable, making it difficult to draw any direct comparisons in that aspect. For users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, the Everfree switch might be the better choice; meanwhile, the heavier Cloud switch could satisfy those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Cloud has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Everfree Cedar measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Cloud switch the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Everfree Cedar could be appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation and potentially enhancing performance during rapid gameplay. If you prioritize responsiveness and prefer a more abrupt actuation, the Everfree Cedar might be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience could lean towards the HMX Cloud switch.
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 Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp, snappy sound that is both crisp and bright, providing a lively auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is noted for delivering a poppy sound profile, though specific descriptors have not been provided, indicating a more subdued auditory character in comparison to the HMX Cloud. As a result, while the Everfree Cedar will not replicate the pronounced clack of the Cloud switch, it may offer a more understated yet pleasant sound environment.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a notably bouncy and creamy typing experience. The bounciness gives the switch a lively responsiveness with a satisfying rebound on keystrokes, while the creamy texture enhances the overall smoothness, making each press feel effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Everfree Cedar switch have not been specified, leaving some uncertainty on how its feel may compare with the Cloud switch’s buttery glide and energetic response.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a distinctive auditory and tactile experience with its clacky sound and smooth feel, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who prioritize these qualities. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, while it may lack the detailed descriptions for sound and feel, is designed to still deliver a reliable experience, albeit perhaps in a more subtle manner. Those looking for a lively, bright typing experience may prefer the Cloud switch, while those seeking a more cost-effective option might find satisfaction in the Everfree Cedar, though they will likely notice a difference in character and responsiveness.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you. If you prefer a heavier switch with a tactile engagement, a clacky sound profile, and a bounce-back feel that offers a lively response, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the better choice, particularly if you're an enthusiast who enjoys a bright and expressive typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that prioritizes smooth, reliable performance without the extra auditory flair, the Everfree (EF) Cedar offers a quieter yet satisfying experience. While the Everfree doesn't have a specific bottom-out force listed, it is designed to provide smooth keystrokes that are consistent and enjoyable for everyday use. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you lean towards a vibrant, clacky sound with a firmer resistance or a more subdued, smooth typing feel that focuses on practicality.
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