HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Red mechanical keyboard switches, you're faced with two excellent options for your typing needs. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, with a medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds. While the Cloud - 63.5g caters to those looking for a tactile and vibrant typing experience, the Jupiter Red is ideal for users who prefer a seamless and consistent typing feel. 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
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
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
One key difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Jupiter Red lies in the material used for the top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Red incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housing materials of the two switches, we find a striking similarity in the use of nylon for both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Jupiter Red. Both switches benefit from the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon, as its softer plastic composition allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This consistency in bottom housing material showcases how manufacturers prioritize certain qualities, such as sound profile, across different switch models, ensuring a similar typing experience for users who prefer the characteristics nylon brings to the table.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on the keyboard. Whether nylon or polycarbonate, each material brings its unique characteristics to the table, affecting how the switch sounds and feels when pressed. While the Cloud - 63.5g and the Jupiter Red differ in their top housing material, both switches share a common ground in utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of sound absorption and the resulting sound profile in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen by manufacturers reflect their intentions in creating switches that cater to specific preferences and usage scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, we can see that the Jupiter Red is lighter in both aspects. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cloud - 63.5g also requires more force at 63.5 grams, while the Jupiter Red is at 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balance between a light typing experience and a more tactile feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch for typing or gaming, the Gateron Jupiter Red may be the better choice, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a firmer key press.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or general use. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key feel. Both switches, however, offer similar results and performance for those who do not have a strong preference for either a shorter or longer 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 Gateron Jupiter Red 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed, catering to those who prefer a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, being suitable for various purposes and preferences. Both switches will provide satisfying auditory feedback, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more distinctive and lively sound compared to the more moderate and versatile Jupiter Red.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a silky smooth typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, offering a refined and smooth typing sensation with minimal friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and consistent typing feel, with the Cloud - 63.5g potentially offering a slightly more lively and elastic feedback compared to the more refined and gentle feel of the Jupiter Red.
Considering all the available information, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both excel in providing a top-tier typing experience tailored to different preferences. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more distinct sound profile and a bouncier feel, the Jupiter Red prioritizes a smooth and polished typing experience with softer backlight effects. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a brighter and more lively typing experience or a smoother and more refined one. Both switches guarantee a premium typing feel, ensuring a satisfying performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider the characteristics that suit your preferences best. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, medium actuation force with a neutral sound profile and a seamless typing experience, the Jupiter Red switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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