HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Ginger Milk both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience that is both smooth and bouncy. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switches are soft and pastel in appearance, offering a more neutral and buttery typing experience with a muted and snappy sound profile. While the Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, the Ginger Milk switches are perfect for users looking for a softer and smoother typing feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features nylon housing for both the top and bottom, providing a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk pairs a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a switch that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing maintains the deeper and fuller sound typical of nylon.
In terms of aesthetics, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g showcases a classic look with its nylon top and bottom housing. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk offers a unique appearance with a clear polycarbonate top housing that allows for RGB lighting. This transparency provides a visually appealing element to the switch, especially for users who value customizable lighting options. While both switches may differ in their housing materials, they share the commonality of providing a tactile and satisfying typing experience, albeit with varying sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Ginger Milk may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. The HMX Cloud's consistent use of nylon housing throughout results in a cohesive typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing offers a unique blend of sharp, clear sound from the polycarbonate top and deep, full sound from the nylon bottom. Whichever switch you choose, both options provide a tactile typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is slightly heavier than the actuation force of the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, with 56 grams compared to 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them equally heavy in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ginger Milk switch may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g switch. In terms of weight, both switches are in the medium-heavy range, providing a good balance between responsiveness and a satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference for actuation force or the overall typing feel desired.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly longer than the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers for faster response times. The Cloud - 63.5g may offer a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Ginger Milk, but overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance for a responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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 profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. This is ideal for those who prefer a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch provides a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it is important to consider this when choosing a switch based on sound preference.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and smooth typing experience. The keys have a spring-like feedback sensation, giving a bouncy feel with each press. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is noted for its buttery feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a silky smooth typing experience, with the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch leaning towards a bouncier feel while the Jwick Ginger Milk switch offers a buttery smooth experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Jwick Ginger Milk switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switch is ideal for those looking for a more neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth typing sensation. Both switches provide a smooth and approachable push feel, making them suitable for a variety of users. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy or creamy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more neutral sound profile with a buttery feel, the Ginger Milk could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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