HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are presented with two appealing options. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force, perfect for those who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy and high-pitched, the Ice King Linear is silky and polished. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Ice King Linear both use nylon as their top and bottom housing material. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder housing materials.
While both switches have the same nylon material for their housing, the difference in their design may affect the overall typing experience. For switches with different top and bottom housings, such as the Cloud - 63.5g and the Ice King Linear, the qualities of the housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This difference in design may lead to slight variations in sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the similarities in housing material between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Ice King Linear suggest that users can expect a comparable sound profile and typing experience from both switches. The use of nylon as the housing material in both switches ensures that they will produce a deeper and fuller sound while typing. However, subtle differences in the design of the switches, such as the split qualities of the top and bottom housing, may lead to slightly varied typing experiences between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Ice King Linear may come down to personal preference and how sensitive users are to these nuanced differences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer some differences to consider. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Ice King Linear's 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards the heavier side. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Ice King Linear more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces provide users with options to cater to their preferences for typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. The difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Ice King Linear switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the press, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel and can cater to different preferences based on the desired travel distance.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. This can be attributed to its design, which caters to enthusiasts looking for a bright and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing sensation. With a spring-like feedback and a buttery typing experience, this switch offers a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel. Offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, this switch minimizes resistance and friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid and refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. It's worth noting that both switches offer a smooth typing experience, although with slightly different characteristics, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a brighter and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a medium bottom out force, alongside a silky smooth typing experience and various additional descriptors like frictionless, creamy, and polished, the Durock Ice King Linear switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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