HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, offering a bright typing experience with a silky smooth touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a polished and resonant typing experience with consistent tactile feedback. While the Cloud - 63.5g appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant typing experience, the Jupiter Banana caters to those seeking a more refined and precise 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
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Jupiter Banana differ in their housing materials, with the Cloud featuring a nylon top housing and the Jupiter Banana having a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Cloud is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Jupiter Banana feature nylon housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the typing experience on switches with nylon bottom housing is likely to offer a similar tactile sensation and sound profile in both the Cloud and the Jupiter Banana. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the differences in top housing between the two switches will still impact the overall typing experience and sound quality.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can impact the typing experience in various ways. The bottom housing tends to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Jupiter Banana share a common nylon bottom housing material, their contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate respectively provide distinct sound profiles and aesthetic features. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and visual appeal.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we see that the Cloud has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud requires 63.5 grams while the Jupiter Banana needs 69 grams. This makes the Jupiter Banana the heavier option overall. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cloud, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Banana has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. In general, a shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times, making it preferred by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch also has a high-pitched sound profile with a resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches cater to those who prefer a brighter sound profile, but the Jupiter Banana may offer a slightly more immersive sound due to its resonant nature.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Banana switch, on the other hand, provides a polished and creamy feel, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a silky sensation while typing, making each keystroke a satisfying experience.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provide a bright and tactile typing experience with smooth and silky sensations. The main differences lie in their sound profiles, with the Cloud switch offering a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Jupiter Bananas have a high-pitched and resonant sound. When choosing between the two, consider whether you prefer a sharper or cleaner sound, as well as the specific feel you desire while typing. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for enthusiasts seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a strong return with consistent feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, so make your decision based on what best fits your needs and typing experience.
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