HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX KD200 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among enthusiasts. The Cloud - 63.5g, with its hefty 63.5g actuation weight, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate a vibrant typing experience. This switch is characterized by its bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched qualities, ensuring that each keystroke is both responsive and satisfying. In contrast, the HMX KD200 stands out as the most prominent member of the HMX Film switch family, known for being the clackiest option available. While this switch doesn't carry the same extensive sound profile categorization, its distinct auditory feedback is appealing for those who relish a more pronounced acoustic experience. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable tactile sensations and sound, albeit in different styles; the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX KD200 both feature nylon as their housing material, encompassing both the top and bottom portions. Nylon is well-regarded in the realm of keyboard switches for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to its relatively softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, typing on either switch tends to create a more muted and rounded auditory experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for users. Given their identical choice of housing material, it can be anticipated that both the Cloud - 63.5g and the KD200 will produce similar acoustic results, offering a consistent typing experience.
Diving deeper into the specifics, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, ensuring that the characteristics influenced by this material remain consistent across the board. Since both switches are constructed with nylon, they are less likely to exhibit significant differences in sound or feel, as the qualities of the nylon housing are preserved from the top to the bottom. This shared approach enhances both the auditory and tactile experiences, allowing users to enjoy a rounder bottom-out sound while typing. The impact of nylon in both housings means that the transitions from key press to release will carry the same smooth and consistent sound profile, regardless of the specific model.
Importantly, while some keyboards utilize different materials for top and bottom housings, which can result in a mixed feel and sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX KD200 maintain uniformity through their dual nylon construction. This design approach means that, when comparing the two switches, users will not only enjoy a more cohesive auditory experience but will also benefit from a consistent typing feel. As each key is pressed, the nylon’s sound-dampening qualities ensure that both the impact and release phases of the keystroke deliver similar tactile responses and sound profiles, thus providing a harmonizing typing atmosphere across both models.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The HMX Cloud features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial push feel. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is much lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that the KD200 is better suited for users who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Cloud - 63.5g will appeal to those who desire a stronger tactile response and more resistance. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter typing experience would gravitate toward the KD200, whereas those favoring a heavier feel would opt for the Cloud - 63.5g.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the HMX KD200 linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Cloud switch, you'll experience a bit more heft in your keystrokes, providing a deeper press that some may find more satisfying compared to the KD200's shorter, more responsive feel. Gamers or those who favor quick actions might prefer the KD200 due to its reduced travel distance, which allows for faster response times. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial depth when typing, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the better choice, offering a more robust keystroke experience. Overall, the differences between the two switches cater to distinct preferences in response and feedback during use.
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 HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 linear switch has a distinctly clacky profile. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a lively auditory experience for users who appreciate a more vibrant typing sound. The high-pitched tones provided by this switch make it appealing to those who prefer a sharper audio feedback over the more bass-heavy profiles typically found in other switches. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, although no specific sound descriptors are available. However, given the KD200’s clackiness, it’s likely to provide a sound signature that is equally engaging, albeit potentially in a different tonal range.
In terms of tactile feel, the Cloud - 63.5g excels with its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bouncy nature offers users a spring-like sensation with a lively rebound after pressing the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience. The creamy texture imparts a silky, smooth feel to each keystroke, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Users can expect a delightful tactile feedback that combines both liveliness and smoothness in their typing rhythm. Unfortunately, details regarding the tactile experience of the KD200 are not provided, leaving its tactile qualities indeterminate.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX KD200 offer engaging sound profiles, with the Cloud providing a clear description of its clacky, high-pitched tones, whereas the KD200’s specific sound characteristics remain unknown. The Cloud’s tactile feel is well-defined by its bouncy and creamy sensations, creating a pleasant typing experience, while the KD200's feel is left unspecified. Users seeking an engaging auditory and tactile experience will find considerable enjoyment in the characteristics of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, while the KD200's distinct clackiness promises excitement, albeit with some unknown elements. Overall, both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate lively and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, your priorities and typing preferences will guide your decision. If you favor a heavier touch and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g, with its medium-heavy actuation and vibrant feedback, would be an excellent fit. It's particularly suited for enthusiasts who appreciate a bouncy and creamy feel, adding an engaging element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that allows for faster actuation and a pronounced clack with each press, the KD200 is the way to go. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force caters to those who appreciate a sharp, snappy typing sound without much resistance. This switch is a superb choice for rapid typists or gamers who favor quick engagements over tactile feedback. In the end, it boils down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force, so consider what aspects of typing you value most in order to make the best choice for your setup.
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