HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a bright typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala provides a stepped tactility with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a polished and stiff typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that may suit different typing styles and preferences. 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
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Koala, we see a clear contrast in material composition. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel when typing.
Despite the differences in material composition, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with both switches. The nylon bottom housing of both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Koala provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the top housing materials, nylon for the Cloud - 63.5g and polycarbonate for the Koala, offer distinct sound profiles when releasing keys, with the Cloud providing a softer, more muffled sound and the Koala delivering a sharper, clearer tone.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Koala ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Cloud offers a softer, fuller sound profile with its nylon housing, the Koala provides a sharper, crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate housing. Both switches showcase the impact that different housing materials can have on sound and feel, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when choosing the right switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ slightly in weight. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Durock Koala has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Durock Koala slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, as its actuation and bottom out forces are more balanced. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Durock Koala for a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it can be seen that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Koala's 4 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Koala being more on the standard side, the difference may be subtle but noticeable to those who are sensitive to key press feedback. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press experience may opt for the Koala with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired feel during typing or gaming sessions.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 switch is best suited for those who prefer a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch offers a more low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, whether you enjoy a brighter and crisper sound or a more mellow and moderate tone.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a refined finish, medium tactile feedback, a two-stage keystroke feel, and a higher amount of force required to actuate and bottom-out. If you prefer a more lively and elastic feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the better choice for you, whereas the Koala switch caters to those who enjoy a smoother, refined typing experience with a pronounced but not overpowering tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Durock Koala switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your typing experience, either of these switches will deliver satisfying results that align with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a crisp and bright typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance without being overly loud, the Koalas could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile sensations, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Make sure to consider your typing style and preferences to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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