HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Hibiscus mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts will encounter two appealing options that each cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with its heavier actuation force and distinctive clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who crave a bright, engaging typing experience along with a silky smooth keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus offers an extraordinarily light touch and an incredibly smooth performance, appealing to those who prioritize effortless typing with a satisfyingly poppy and crispy sound signature. Each switch brings its own unique attributes to the table: the HMX Cloud may be better suited for users who enjoy a bouncier feedback, while the Hibiscus caters to those seeking supreme lightness and fluidity. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Hibiscus share a commonality in their construction, which is reflected in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant because nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which enhances the overall typing experience. Specifically, the softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output. Both switches thus promise to deliver a similarly enjoyable acoustic experience, with a sound profile that emphasizes a warm and muted character conducive to extended typing sessions.
Despite their structural similarities, variations in design or tuning can yield unique tactile experiences between the two switches. The interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the final output of the switches; with both the Cloud - 63.5g and Hibiscus utilizing nylon for this purpose, the characteristics impacting sound and feel when pressing or releasing keys remain closely aligned. The bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel upon actuation, while the top housing contributes to the sound when the key is released. However, since both models utilize the same nylon material, it’s likely that any differences in performance may arise from other design aspects rather than the housing material itself.
When assessing the performance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Hibiscus, the synergy of their nylon housings is paramount. The consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings across these switches ensures that they will provide comparable results in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback. Any differences, should they arise, will stem from design variations rather than the inherent sound-absorbing characteristics of the nylon material. Therefore, users can expect a uniform keypress experience, characterized by a depth of sound and a satisfying tactile response, from both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Hibiscus.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch requires an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch offers a much lighter experience with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Hibiscus is better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter force can reduce fatigue over time. Conversely, the Cloud switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience due to its heavier resistance. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch will likely gravitate toward the Hibiscus, while those desiring a stronger push feel will find the Cloud - 63.5g more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 63.5g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a more responsive feel, the Hibiscus would be the better choice due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker key presses, which can be especially advantageous for gamers. Conversely, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, providing a more tactile and hearty typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
The sound profile of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by a notably clacky tone, which delivers a sharp and snappy auditory experience upon each keystroke. This type of switch produces a bright, high-pitched accent that is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively acoustic feedback. In contrast, while the sound qualities of the HMX Hibiscus are not explicitly detailed, it is described as having a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy signature, suggesting that it offers an engaging sound experience that likely compares favorably with the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, both switches seem to provide an enjoyable auditory element, although individual preferences may vary depending on the specific keycap and board used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The bounciness provides a spring-like feedback that adds a lively character to every keystroke, while the creamy texture enhances this experience, allowing fingers to glide smoothly without any resistance. Conversely, information on the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switch is currently unknown. Given the rave reviews surrounding the Hibiscus, one could speculate that it may also deliver impressive smoothness, potentially giving the Cloud - 63.5g a run for its money in terms of feel, but without definitive descriptors, this remains uncertain.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Hibiscus linear switches appeal to different aspects of the typing experience; the former excels in delivering vibrant sound and a dynamic feel, while the latter claims to offer exceptional smoothness and a flavorful sound signature. For fans of a clacky auditory experience combined with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g is certainly a strong contender. Meanwhile, while the Hibiscus promises a similar engaging sound, its tactile feedback remains to be fully evaluated. Ultimately, personal preference in terms of sound and feel will guide your choice between these two intriguing options in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile and audible experience when typing, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is an excellent choice with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and its clacky sound profile, providing a bright and lively response that feels bouncy and creamy under your fingers. This switch is particularly suited for typists and gamers who appreciate a more pronounced feedback in their keystrokes and like the confidence of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel and seek an incredibly smooth typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus with its feather-light 48 grams bottom-out force might be the better option for you. Its satisfying clacky, poppy sound signature, combined with its ultra-light actuation force, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a quick, effortless typing feel while still appreciating a distinctive auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your unique typing dynamics and sound preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is both enjoyable and tailored to your needs.
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