HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who prefer a bouncy, creamy, and high-pitched feedback that enhances the auditory satisfaction of typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a lighter touch, delivering a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, perfect for those who seek a more effortless typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g caters to those looking for a vibrant and tactile sound with a satisfying resistance, the Glory Red appeals to users who appreciate a quick, responsive feel without the extra weight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Glory Red, it's important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, results in notable similarities in sound and feel. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. Both switches, therefore, can be expected to deliver a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, as the nylon helps to mitigate higher frequencies that might otherwise be more pronounced in switches with harder materials.
Moreover, the consistency of housing material between the two switches indicates that users will experience comparable performance regarding the tactile feel and overall feedback during usage. Since both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Glory Red employ nylon for both top and bottom housings, the tactile attributes and sounds associated with bottoming out and releasing keys will resonate in akin ways across the two switches. Users can anticipate that the softness of nylon will afford them a harmonious typing experience, with the impact of the bottom housing being felt distinctly upon actuation and the characteristics of the top housing being appreciated upon key release.
However, variations might still emerge when considering other switch features, such as spring tension or stem design, which could alter the overall feel despite having the same housing material. If any differences do exist, they would primarily influence the perceived key resistance and actuation feedback rather than the fundamental sound profile created by the nylon housings. Ultimately, if the switches were to employ varying materials, one might notice differing sound textures and key responses. Nevertheless, in their current compositions, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Glory Red will provide an effectively similar auditory and tactile experience due to their shared use of nylon, fostering a cohesive typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Glory Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users looking for a softer touch during long typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, preventing a full comparison of that aspect. Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier option, while the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter switch, catering to different preferences in typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Glory Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud switch provides a slightly deeper press, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Glory Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users looking for quicker response times due to its more abrupt actuation. Overall, if you prioritize better feedback while typing, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Glory Red would suit those who favor speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 stands out with its distinctively clacky and high-pitched profile. This type of acoustics provides a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate a lively typing experience. The brightness of its sound enhances the tactile enjoyment, making each keystroke feel significant. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red lacks specific sound characteristics reported, leaving its auditory feedback largely unknown. However, sound is heavily influenced by the keyboard configuration, including the choice of board and keycaps, so some users may experience different sound profiles based on their unique setups.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with a delightful engagement that features bouncy and creamy sensations. The bounciness provides an enjoyable rebound effect with each press, allowing a dynamic typing experience. Its creamy texture, likely enhanced by factory lubrication or specific materials, offers a silky smoothness that makes typing effortless and fluid. The Gateron Glory Red, while noted for its smooth keystrokes, does not have detailed attributes regarding its tactile feedback, leaving an evaluation of its feel somewhat incomplete. Nonetheless, the smoothness suggests that it might offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience as well.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a well-defined sound and tactile experience with its bouncy and creamy qualities, the Gateron Glory Red remains a bit of a mystery in terms of specific sound and feel descriptors. However, if you’re seeking a lively typing experience with a bright auditory feedback, the Cloud switch would be the perfect pick. The Glory Red may very well offer a pleasant typing experience too, especially for those who prefer a smoother action. Ultimately, both switches can appeal to different preferences, but if the intriguing characteristics of the Cloud - 63.5g resonate with you, it’s likely to offer a more engaging experience overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch should depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you relish a tactile and audible typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is an excellent choice due to its clacky sound profile and medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, which not only provides a satisfying feedback but also suits those who enjoy a more pronounced and lively feel when typing. Its bouncy and creamy characteristics allow for a silky smooth experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or for those who enjoy a little extra resistance and feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke that allows for swift and effortless typing, the Gateron Glory Red might be more suitable for you, particularly if speed and precision are your primary concerns. Although its exact bottom-out force is not available, its design caters to users who value a seamless and pleasant keystroke, making it a great choice for both gaming and casual typing. In essence, weigh your priorities—whether you lean towards a more tactile feedback experience or a lighter, smoother keystroke—to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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