HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience preferred by enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is also a linear switch but is geared towards gaming, offering a shorter travel distance and medium-high pitch for a buttery and thocky feel. While the HMX Cloud switch excels in bright and silky smooth typing, the G Pro Silver switch focuses on fast responsiveness and competitive advantage in gaming. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and specific needs, so diving deeper into their individual characteristics will help you make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound vibrations. This results in a duller and rounder sound during typing. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may still vary based on other factors such as keycap material and switch design.
In terms of the top housing, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is praised for its ability to produce a deeper sound profile, while polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an ideal material for switches that incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
While both switches share a common material for the bottom housing, their differences in top housing material highlight the distinct sound profiles they offer. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and duller sound due to its nylon top housing, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Depending on personal preference for sound and aesthetics, users may gravitate towards one switch over the other based on the housing materials used in their construction. Ultimately, understanding the impact of these materials on the typing experience can help individuals make informed decisions when selecting a switch for their keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The Cloud - 63.5g requires 56 grams of force to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver only needs 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter choice. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the ideal choice. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a firmer push for a more substantial typing feel would likely lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the weight of the key switches plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience for users, with lighter switches being favored for extended use and heavier switches providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has the shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. The difference between the two may not be drastic, but it can still affect the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of key actuation, but the minor difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, providing a crisp and percussive sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch boasts a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone that adds depth to your typing or gaming sessions. Depending on your preference for sound and the overall setup of your keyboard, you can choose between the brighter, clacky sound of the Cloud - 63.5g or the deeper, bass-heavy tone of the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery feel when pressed. Similarly, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is smooth and fluid. Whether you prefer a lively and bouncy feel with the Cloud - 63.5g or a more seamless and effortless typing experience with the G Pro 3.0 Silver, both options provide a comfortable and satisfying feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gaming-oriented switch that offers a bass-heavy, thocky sound and a buttery, creamy feel for lightning-fast responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so making a decision will depend on your specific sound and feel preferences for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing or gaming experience. If you prioritize a bright and clacky typing sound, along with a medium-heavy actuation force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light and responsive switch with a shorter travel distance for gaming, along with vibrant RGB lighting and a competitive advantage, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is the ideal choice for you. Consider your priorities and preferences in sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and how you plan to use your keyboard.
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