HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference and typing style play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Huano Grape Orange are two linear switches that cater to different user experiences, each offering unique advantages. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its heavier actuation force and characteristic clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and dynamic typing sensation. Its bouncy and creamy feel, along with a high-pitched sound, adds a tactile enjoyment to every keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch features a notably lighter actuation force of just 40g, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize ease and comfort during extended typing sessions. Its effortless response is perfect for users looking for a more relaxed 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

HMX Cloud - 63.5g Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Grape Orange, we see a stark contrast between the top housing materials used. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonation of sound, resulting in a higher-pitched auditory output. Therefore, while they may both function effectively, the tonal characteristics of the Cloud - 63.5g would lean towards a warmer and more mellow sound, while the Grape Orange would produce a more defined and vibrant sound when typing.

However, the bottom housings of both switches present commonality, according to the descriptions provided. Both the Cloud - 63.5g and Grape Orange feature a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, it helps create a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out the switch. This shared material in the bottom housing ensures that when pressing the keys, both switches will likely deliver a more subdued and dampened sound upon key press, adding a layer of comfort and familiarity for the user.

Ultimately, if one were to combine the insights from both switches, they would find that the distinct characteristics of their top housing materials significantly influence the auditory experience. The nylon top of the Cloud - 63.5g would dampen sounds, allowing for a cushioned feel when releasing a key, while the polycarbonate top of the Grape Orange enhances clarity and sharpness. Nonetheless, the common nylon bottom housing would ensure a deeper resonance for both, resulting in somewhat similar overall experiences regarding the bottom-out feel and sound. Users may find satisfaction in either switch depending on their preference for the type of sound profile, but both switches provide unique textures and sounds that reflect their distinct housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to distinct user preferences. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy profile that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, while the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier option, the Grape Orange provides a softer, more forgiving feel. For those who value longer typing endurance and less finger fatigue, the lighter Grape Orange may be preferable, whereas users seeking more tactile feedback might gravitate toward the medium-heavy Cloud switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Grape Orange measures a shorter 3.6 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a more responsive experience, ideal for gamers who benefit from faster actuation times. Conversely, the Cloud switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, if you're seeking a swifter response, the Grape Orange would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Cloud switch caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a distinct clacky profile characterized by a sharp and high-pitched tone. This creates a bright and percussive auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially those who prefer a more pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch offers no specific sound profile details. This absence of information leaves the sound qualities of the Grape Orange unknown, making it difficult to compare directly to the clacky experience of the Cloud switch. It's worth noting that overall sound output will also depend on the keyboard construction, including the choice of materials and keycaps used.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy experience. The bounciness invokes a lively and responsive pressure sensation, providing a satisfying feedback mechanism with every keystroke. The creamy quality adds to the smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Grape Orange switch is also unknown but is characterized by its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, which suggests that it may provide a much lighter and potentially less tactile experience compared to the heavier Cloud switch.

In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is celebrated for its clacky sound and smooth, bouncy feel, the Huano Grape Orange switch does not have any explicitly detailed sound or feel qualities to compare against. However, the Cloud's heavier weight suggests a more robust typing experience, while the Grape Orange's lighter actuation force may cater to those seeking an effortless typing experience. Those choosing between these switches will ultimately be drawn to the distinct sound and tactile feedback of the Cloud, while the Grape Orange may serve those valuing speed and ease over auditory feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile, medium-heavy switch that provides a bouncy and creamy feel, allowing for a pleasurable typing experience accompanied by a bright, clacky sound, then the Cloud - 63.5g would be an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback during use. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts and typists who appreciate a solid bottom-out force and appreciate a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you tend to type for prolonged periods or prefer a lighter touch, the Huano Grape Orange, with its lower actuation force and effortless feel, will allow for quick and easy keystrokes without putting strain on your fingers. This makes it a superb option for those who favor comfort and speed, especially in tasks that require long hours of typing or gaming. By assessing your needs between these two switches, you can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience to match your specific desires.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 63.5g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more