HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts may find themselves faced with a decision between two unique options. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a bright and tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a budget-friendly price point without compromising on quality, featuring a medium-heavy feel with a silky, subdued typing experience and enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches offer unique characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which can be satisfying for some typists. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as being clacky. This distinctive sound may appeal to users looking for a more distinct and sharp typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches continue to offer different sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon bottom housing complements the top housing by promoting a deeper and fuller sound, creating a consistent typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in sound profiles between the two switches highlights the impact of bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience.
While the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black differ in terms of sound profiles, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The combination of nylon top and bottom housings in the Cloud - 63.5g creates a consistent and deep sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's combination of proprietary INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing offers a sharper and more muted sound profile, catering to typists who enjoy a more distinct and unique typing experience. Ultimately, while the housing materials may vary, both switches deliver quality performance in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 70 grams, which is heavier than the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's 63.5 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black could be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we can see that the Cloud - 63.5g has a shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for fast-paced action. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who want a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, ensuring a consistent typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for travel distance.
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 G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch also features a clacky sound but with a more subdued and dampened tone, creating a more subtle sound signature overall. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud being more vibrant and bright, and the G Pro 3.0 Black being more balanced and medium-high pitched.
Moving on to the feel, both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback and a silky sensation while typing. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Black is also creamy and silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of the G Pro 3.0 Black adds to the overall typing comfort, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloud provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a clacky and subdued sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. By understanding these distinctions, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and subdued sound with a creamy, silky, or subtle feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience but cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. It's important to try out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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