HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. It is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron's budget-friendly series provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. It is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the difference in the top housing material results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Despite the differences in top housing materials between the two switches, both nylon and polycarbonate offer unique advantages. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, polycarbonate's translucency makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the overall design. While the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes the softer and more absorbing qualities of nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Brown focuses on the contrast between the crispness of polycarbonate in the top housing and the depth of sound from nylon in the bottom housing.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize how each material contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, the switches offer users a diverse tactile experience that enhances the overall typing satisfaction. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g or the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Brown, each housing material brings a unique quality to the switches that cater to different preferences and needs.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, with 56 grams versus 55 grams respectively. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to fully press the keys. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a slightly firmer actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch both have different travel distances. The Cloud - 63.5g has a shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloud - 63.5g may provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferable for gamers looking for fast reaction times. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a bit more depth in its key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance experience.
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 Brown 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 Brown 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 Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched profile, which provides a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud - 63.5g being more vibrant and bright, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a subtler and more immersive auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like sensation with a smooth and buttery glide across the keys. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is noted for its mild and stepped feel, providing a middle-ground tactile feedback that appeals to a wide range of users. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that enhance the typing experience in different ways.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. While the Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a bright and clacky sound profile with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more subtle tactile sensation and a medium-high pitched sound for an enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and immersive typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile sensation with a medium bottom out force, easy-to-press keys, and a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
