HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Gravel present distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts, each offering unique tactile experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force, making it a favorite for those who relish a bright and engaging typing experience. This switch is characterized by its bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched attributes, ensuring a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel is known for its exceptional smoothness and medium-light actuation force, providing a more effortless typing experience. Its focus is on refined, responsive feedback without the pronounced sound of its Cloud counterpart. Users seeking a quieter, more subdued feel might find the Gravel to be a perfect match for their typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Gravel, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cloud features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbing nature. This results in a typing experience that is characterized by muted acoustics and a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Gravel boasts a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for being stiffer, thus enhancing the sharpness and clarity of the switch's sound. This difference in materials significantly contributes to the overall acoustic experience when typing, offering users distinct sound profiles based on the choice of housing, with the Cloud favoring a more subdued tone and the Gravel presenting a brighter, more resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cloud and the Gravel employ nylon, leading to a uniform experience in terms of sound profile when pressing down on the keys. The nylon material serves a similar purpose in both switches, absorbing sound and promoting a deeper auditory experience during the actuation of keys. This consistency means that while the top housing variance introduces a significant contrast in sound characteristics, the bottom housing provides a familiar foundation. Therefore, when users are bottoming out on either switch, they will encounter a similar feel and sound influenced by the nylon composition. This shared element helps to unify the overall typing experience despite the divergence in top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings in the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Gravel create distinctive sound profiles, but the shared nylon bottom housing allows these switches to maintain a degree of acoustic consistency. Users can expect a richer and fuller sound from the Cloud due to its nylon top, while the Gravel will deliver crisper and more defined auditory feedback due to its polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, when bottoming out, the users will experience a familiar, deeper auditory sensation across both models, demonstrating how varying top housing materials can distinctly shape the overall experience while maintaining a cohesive feel through their common bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Gravel switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Gravel provides a more effortless keypress, which can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, users who prefer a stronger push feel will find the Cloud's heavier actuation force and substantial bottom out force more satisfying for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, while the Cloud switch delivers a firmer response and is deemed heavier, the Gravel switch offers a lighter and more accessible typing experience, appealing to those who favor comfort over resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the HMX Gravel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem marginal but can significantly influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Those who favor a more traditional feel might find the greater travel of the Cloud switch more satisfying, as it provides a fuller depth that may prevent the abruptness associated with shorter distances. Conversely, the Gravel switch, with its shorter travel distance, aligns well with the preferences of gamers seeking faster response times, making it ideal for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more robust feedback with the longer Cloud switch or the swiftness of the Gravel switch.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and articulate auditory feedback when typing, perfect for those who enjoy the sonic aspect of their typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Gravel switch lacks a specified sound profile, which suggests that it may not produce the same pronounced auditory characteristics as the Cloud variant. Therefore, if sound is a crucial factor for you, the Cloud - 63.5g will provide a more vibrant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy sensation. Users can expect a lively rebound effect, along with a silky smoothness that enhances the typing experience. The combination of elasticity and a buttery glide makes for a keystroke that feels both invigorating and effortless. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switch also offers a notably smooth typing feel. While its actuation force is described as medium-light and leaning towards the lighter side, this switch provides a responsive touch that emphasizes ease of use, though it may not deliver the same bouncy or creamy sensation as the Cloud - 63.5g.
Overall, if you are a newcomer weighing your options between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Gravel linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and the feel of your keystrokes. The Cloud - 63.5g excels in producing a clacky, high-pitched sound along with a bouncy and creamy feel, making it ideal for those who cherish pronounced auditory feedback and an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gravel switch offers a smooth and responsive typing feel, albeit without a defined sound profile, which may appeal to users seeking a more understated auditory experience. Both switches promise a satisfying typing journey, but they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Gravel linear switches, your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you appreciate a heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a brighter, clacky sound profile that adds some character to your typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is likely the right fit for you. This switch not only provides a lively, bouncy feel, making each keystroke feel responsive, but also delivers a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances your engagement with the keyboard, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the HMX Gravel switch may be more your style. This switch excels in providing a smooth, refined typing experience that feels effortless, making it an ideal choice for fast-paced typing or for those who may experience fatigue with heavier switches. Its subdued sound profile allows for a more subtle typing environment, which can be advantageous in shared spaces or during late-night work sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you seek tactile feedback and a lively sound or a smooth, effortless typing feel.
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