HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a more tactile response and a bright auditory feedback while typing. This switch, characterized by its "bouncy," "clacky," "creamy," and "high-pitched" qualities, promises a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin is designed to deliver a premium feel with its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quiet and seamless keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback; the Cloud appeals to those who enjoy pronounced sounds and a bit more heft, while the Keylin attracts those seeking elegance and tranquility in their 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
38g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keylin both employ nylon as their primary housing material, which significantly influences the acoustic and tactile experience of their switches. The nylon top housings for both products are noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's properties as a softer plastic; it has the ability to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both switches offer a similar auditory experience while typing, characterized by a rounder and more subdued sound, which can enhance the overall typing feel for users who prefer a less clacky sound in their mechanical keyboards.
When examining the nylon bottom housings of the Cloud - 63.5g and the Keylin, we find that both switches again share identical material characteristics. This continuity in housing material contributes to a cohesive sound profile across both the bottom and top parts of each switch, allowing for a harmonious transition in sound and feel when keys are pressed and released. The nylon material in the bottom housings impacts the bottom-out sound, ensuring that both switches offer a satisfying and consistent feedback when fully pressed down. The use of nylon contributes to a similar tactile experience, making it easy for users to find comfort and familiarity regardless of the selected switch.
If there were a divergence in the housing materials between the two switches, their resulting sound profiles and tactile sensations might differ more noticeably. However, given that both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon for both top and bottom housings, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound and feel. The influence of each housing is distributed evenly; the qualities of the softer nylon will provide pleasant characteristics that resonate throughout both the actuation and release of the keypress, allowing for a gratifying typing experience across the board. Ultimately, those who favor the nylon properties in tactile feedback and sound can confidently gravitate towards either option without concern for significant differences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Cloud - 63.5g features a comparatively heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a substantial typing experience preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Keylin switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the reduced force required can alleviate finger fatigue. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter feel, the Keylin switch would be the ideal choice, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g suits those who favor a more robust action. Overall, the differences in force specifications indicate that users will experience quite distinct typing experiences with each option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it becomes evident that there is a measurable difference between the two. The HMX Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Keylin switch measures at a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Keylin a better choice for those who prioritize quicker key response times, as the shorter travel distance can contribute to a more responsive feel during rapid gaming or typing. Conversely, the HMX Cloud's longer 3.9 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, providing a sense of depth that can make typing feel more substantial. In this contrast, if responsiveness is your main goal, the Keylin would be the preferable switch, while the HMX Cloud would cater to those who appreciate a bit more travel in their keystrokes.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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 is characterized by its clacky profile, which produces a sharp, bright, and percussive noise with each keystroke. This higher-pitched sound can appeal to users who prefer a more lively auditory feedback, making it an engaging choice for typists. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Keygeek Keylin switch are not detailed, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its acoustic profile. However, given that sound is influenced by the keyboard layout and keycap materials, it’s possible that with the right setup, the Keylin may offer a pleasant auditory experience similar to that of the Cloud.
Regarding feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a genuinely enjoyable typing experience, marked by its bouncy and creamy sensations. The bounciness adds a lively feedback when pressing down the keys, making typing feel energized and responsive. The creamy aspect contributes to a smooth, buttery glide across the keycaps, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The Keylin switch, however, lacks specific descriptors for its tactile qualities, leaving its feel ambiguous. Nonetheless, the high expectations set for its premium typing experience suggest it might deliver smoothness comparable to the Cloud, albeit without explicit confirmation of key attributes.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch stands out with its distinctive clacky sound and engaging feel that combines bounciness and creaminess, appealing to enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable typing experience. The Keygeek Keylin linear switch, while lacking detailed descriptions of sound and feel, promises a premium typing experience that may share similarities with the Cloud under the right circumstances. Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of user preference, and with careful selection of the keyboard and keycaps, a satisfying outcome can be achieved regardless of the switch chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more substantial feel and tend to favor a vibrant, bright sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g will likely be your go-to option. Its heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, coupled with its clacky sound, provides an invigorating typing experience that is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and a lively sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother experience, the Keylin switch might be better suited for you. With a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, it offers a more effortless typing sensation, allowing you to type for extended periods without fatigue. The Keylin also delivers a premium experience with its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics that make every keystroke feel luxurious. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should hinge on whether you prioritize the dynamic feedback and sound of the HMX Cloud or the effortless glide and subdued acoustics of the Keylin.
Mentioned in this article
