HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options for different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, catering to those who prefer a more bassy and polished feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that may suit different needs and 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The biggest difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 lies in the sound profile they each produce. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon, providing a more muffled typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, offering a more sharp and clear typing sound.
Despite the differences in sound profile, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 housing materials share a common characteristic of being made from high-quality materials. While the nylon housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a softer and more muffled typing experience, the proprietary INK blend housing of the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a sharper and clearer typing sound. However, both materials are designed to be durable and provide a reliable typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a consistent performance from their switches.
In terms of impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The bottom housing material is more crucial in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing material has a larger impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that users can experience a unique typing sensation based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials used in their switches, whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g or the pointed and clacky sound of the INK blend in the Gateron Ink Black V2.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we can see some differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Cloud - 63.5g has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Black V2 being just slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch produces a low-pitched, bassy sound with a chirpy undertone, offering a deeper and richer acoustic experience during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and high-pitched sound, while the Ink Black V2 switch may cater to individuals seeking a smoother and bassier typing sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished feel, delivering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a lively and elastic feedback with a silky touch, the Cloud - 63.5g switch might be the ideal choice. In contrast, if you prefer a more approachable and refined typing experience, the Ink Black V2 switch could be more suitable for your preferences.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a rich and bassy sound with a mild and polished sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences, ensuring that you can achieve similar results based on your specific liking for a particular sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound with a mild and polished feel, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal typing experience preferences and what feels best to you.
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