HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches plays a significant role in the typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, offers a clacky sound profile and a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, provides a more traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, perfect for those looking for a classic yet innovative typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a bouncy and high-pitched typing sensation, the Jupiter Brown offers a more polished and stepped tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
55g
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
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 main contrast between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown lies in the different plastics used. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer and more absorbent material that produces a duller and rounder sound profile. In comparison, the Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on switches of each type.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g top and bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Jupiter Brown provides a more clear and resonant sound. This distinction in sound quality can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, depending on their preference for a sharper or duller sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a softer, fuller sound profile due to its nylon housing, the Jupiter Brown provides a crisper, higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both materials have their own unique advantages, and users may find that one suits their preferences more than the other based on the desired sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is slightly lighter at 56 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch which is 55 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams whereas the Gateron Jupiter Brown needs 70 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force but has a similar bottom out force to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cloud being slightly shorter than the Jupiter Brown. Gamers may prefer the Cloud for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Jupiter Brown 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch's sound qualities are not specified, so it is hard to make a direct comparison. However, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Cloud switch leaning towards a brighter and snappier tone.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is known to offer a mild, polished, and stepped feel, catering to those who prefer a more gentle and refined keystroke sensation. While the Cloud switch focuses on a more dynamic and elastic feedback, the Jupiter Brown switch aims to deliver a comfortable and well-balanced typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, appealing to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloud switch provides a bright and bouncy typing experience, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more traditional and polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a clacky and energetic typing feel or a more subdued and refined keystroke sensation. Both options guarantee a high level of quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a bright typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and enhanced softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Brown could be the right choice. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and your typing style to determine which switch would best suit your needs and enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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