HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier weight, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the Keygeek Raw is ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and neutral 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches both utilize nylon, with the Keygeek Raw also incorporating a UPE blend. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound absorption properties. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw's UPE blend adds a unique element to the switch not found in the Cloud - 63.5g, offering a different typing experience to users. Both switches provide a duller and rounder sound, but the Keygeek Raw's blend may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g.
The bottom housings of the Cloud - 63.5g and Keygeek Raw switches also differ, with the Keygeek Raw incorporating a UMPE & Si blend. This exclusive blend in the Keygeek Raw adds a different tactile feel and sound profile when compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, so users may notice a difference in typing experience between the two switches. While both housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, the materials used in the Keygeek Raw offer a unique touch not found in the Cloud - 63.5g.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches provide a variety of typing experiences for users. While both switches utilize nylon in their construction, the addition of exclusive blends in the Keygeek Raw switches adds a different dimension to typing feel and sound profile. Users looking for a deeper sound and softer feel may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g, while those seeking a unique typing experience may opt for the Keygeek Raw with its exclusive UPE and Si blend. Regardless of the switch chosen, both options offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 56 grams, compared to the Keygeek Raw switch with unknown actuation force. However, the Keygeek Raw switch has a lighter bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Keygeek Raw being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the better option, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Keygeek Raw being slightly shorter than the Cloud - 63.5g. Gamers may prefer the Keygeek Raw for its slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a spring-like feedback and smooth buttery experience. Conversely, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a textured and mild feel upon typing, with noticeable friction for those who prefer a bit of resistance but still maintaining a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. The Keygeek Raw switches also arrive unlubricated, allowing enthusiasts to customize the feel to their preferences by hand-lubing the switches.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Keygeek Raw switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound with a textured and mild typing experience that can be further customized through lubing, the Keygeek Raw switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switches, you should consider the sound and feel preferences that align with your typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a bright, clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a neutral sound profile and a slightly textured, mild typing feel, the Keygeek Raw switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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