HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a bright and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its smoothness, lower actuation force, and crispy sound profile, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing touch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the decision comes down to individual typing habits and preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision 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
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Red both use different materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique housing materials.
In terms of sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top and bottom housing materials create a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Gateron Ink Red's INK blend housing. The Cloud switch offers a more muffled and softer typing experience, while the Ink Red switch provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. This distinction in sound profiles can significantly impact users' preferences, as some may prefer the quieter and deeper typing sound of the Cloud switch, while others may gravitate towards the crisper and more pronounced sound produced by the Ink Red switch.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Red may result in variations in the overall typing feel. The nylon housing of the Cloud switch is likely to produce a smoother and softer bottom-out sensation, while the INK blend housing of the Ink Red switch may offer a more pronounced and tactile feedback. Despite these nuanced differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience by leveraging their unique housing materials to deliver distinct sound and tactile profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams, making the Cloud - 63.5g switch require more force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Red at 60 grams is slightly higher than the Cloud - 63.5g's 63.5 grams. This means that the Ink Red switch provides a more consistent force throughout the keystroke, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch requires more force initially but less force to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Ink Red is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more solid typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Ink Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the HMX Cloud - 63.5g for this reason. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying to type on. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, giving users a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a more neutral sound with a hint of chirpiness, providing a unique acoustic signature. Both switches can offer satisfying sound profiles, but the Cloud - 63.5g will give a brighter and more percussive sound compared to the Ink Red.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy sensation, offering a lively and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky, mild, and polished feel, emphasizing smoothness and refined key travel. While both switches aim for a smooth typing feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may give a more elastic and buttery sensation while typing, catering to users who prefer a more tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Ink Red switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 63.5g switch excels in providing a bright and bouncy typing experience with its clacky sound profile, while the Ink Red switch focuses on a smoother and polished feel with a chirpy sound signature. Depending on whether you prefer a heavier and more tactile typing experience or a lighter and smoother one, both switches can deliver satisfying results for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a heavier typing experience with a clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style with a smooth, silky feel and a chirpy sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Red switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it is essential to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and meets your individual preferences and needs.
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