HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Fairy both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier weight, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are renowned for their refined lubrication, making them an excellent choice for office settings due to their quiet operation and comfortable typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a more bouncy and high-pitched feel, the Fairy switches offer a polished and muted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Fairy utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience on switches that use this material for their housings.
While both keyboards share the same nylon material for their housings, the specific design and construction of the housings may vary between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Fairy. These differences can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard, even though they both utilize nylon for their housings. The top housing, in particular, plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. These subtle distinctions can contribute to a unique typing experience on each keyboard, despite both using nylon as their housing material.
In conclusion, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Fairy ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The soft and sound-absorbing nature of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more enjoyable typing experience for users. While differences in design and construction may influence the overall typing feel on each keyboard, the shared material of nylon for their housings guarantees a comparable level of satisfaction for those who appreciate its unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g switch is the heavier of the two. The Cloud - 63.5g switch has an actuation force of 56 grams, slightly heavier than the Fairy's 50 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g switch is 63.5 grams, compared to the Fairy's 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy category in terms of force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Akko Fairy switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Akko Fairy may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may provide a bit more depth to the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound, making it ideal for quieter work environments. In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving a lively and smooth typing experience. The Fairy switch, on the other hand, provides a polished and mild feel, ensuring reduced friction and gentle key travel.
Overall, if you prefer a louder and more tactile typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Akko Fairy linear switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the right switch for you, so trying both options on a test keyboard would be the best way to ensure satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider the specific usage and preferences you have. If you are an enthusiast looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are in a professional setting and value a smooth and muted typing experience with a moderate bottom-out force, the Akko Fairy switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your individual needs and the environment in which you will be using them.
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