HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Kiki Red, enthusiasts are presented with intriguing options. The Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, offering a bright typing experience that appeals to those looking for a distinctive feel while typing. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switches from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a balanced high-pitched and clacky nuance, housed in unique all-POM housings for a polished sound signature. While the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Kiki Red switches offer a smoother and more frictionless performance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cloud - 63.5g features nylon top and bottom housings, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red utilizes POM top and bottom housings, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice of material in the top and bottom housing may influence the overall sound and feel of the switch differently.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Kiki Red share similarities in their quest to enhance the typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Kiki Red provides a unique and pleasing sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red adds to the overall muted sound profile. These distinctions in sound characteristics showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the typing experience on each switch.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is essential to note that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With nylon and POM materials offering distinct sound profiles, users can expect a different typing experience based on the housing materials used in the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Kiki Red. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a more muted and unique sound, both switches provide a range of options to cater to individual preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch with an actuation force of 42 grams, making the Cloud - 63.5g the heavier of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Kiki Red requires 50 grams, indicating that the Cloud - 63.5g is still the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Kiki Red for easier typing over longer periods of time. Ultimately, both switches provide different typing experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them well-suited for gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Cloud - 63.5g to be more to their liking due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Kiki Red switches are described as producing a clacky sound, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is noted for its high-pitched profile, adding a bright and percussive element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a balanced clacky nuance without being excessively loud, catering to those who prefer a comfortably high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profiles, with both offering a satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and silky sensation during typing. Similarly, the Kiki Red switch is also noted for its creamy feel, providing a buttery typing experience with smooth and effortless keystrokes. Additionally, the Kiki Red switch boasts features like frictionless, polished, and silky qualities, enhancing the overall tactile feedback for users who appreciate a refined and smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and refined feel, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch may appeal to those who enjoy a brighter and more percussive sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a balanced and nuanced sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches providing a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a bright and clacky sound profile with medium-heavy weighting, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more high-pitched and clacky nuance with a lighter touch, the Bsun Kiki Red switch with its medium-light weighting and finely-tuned typing experience would be more suitable for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
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