HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and bright typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2, also a linear switch, stands out for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack', providing a polished and silky smooth typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more high-pitched and bouncy typing experience, the Hyacinth V2 excels in providing a frictionless and snappy typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Single-stage 22mm Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material used. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. While both materials are durable and commonly used in switch housings, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound and feel of the keyboard.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Hyacinth V2 opt for nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. By utilizing the same material for the bottom housing, both keyboards offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This consistency can be beneficial for users looking for a reliable typing experience without any drastic changes in sound or feel between the top and bottom of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a keyboard switch can significantly impact the typing experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 both offer durable nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, their top housing materials differ. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth V2 offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two keyboards will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch differ in weight. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth V2 switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a medium-light feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch requires a stronger push for typing, giving a more substantial typing experience, while the Hyacinth V2 switch is lighter, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Both switches provide similar results, but the choice between them depends on individual preference for a heavier or lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Hyacinth V2 the shorter option and the Cloud - 63.5g the longer option. The shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g could provide a more satisfying typing experience with its deeper feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when deciding between the two.
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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 for $2.91.
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, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Hyacinth V2 switches are described as having a "clacky" sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The Cloud - 63.5g is also noted to have a high-pitched sound, adding a crisp and bright element to the auditory experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 stands out for its distinctive deep 'clack', offering a resonant and satisfying acoustic feedback. Both switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile, with the Hyacinth V2 providing a deeper tone compared to the Cloud - 63.5g.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as offering a smooth typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g presents a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback and a silky sensation when typing. Similarly, the Hyacinth V2 is also noted for its creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the Hyacinth V2 features a frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel, allowing for fluid key travel and enhanced responsiveness. Overall, both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the Cloud - 63.5g and the Hyacinth V2 switches share similarities in terms of sound and feel, they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is best suited for enthusiasts who prefer a brighter and clackier sound profile, coupled with a bouncy and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2 caters to those seeking a deeper and more resonant sound, accompanied by a variety of smooth and responsive feel options. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of customizable switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy feel, the Hyacinth V2 could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire when making your decision between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique combination of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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