HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard switches come in various types, each tailored to different preferences, and two intriguing options worth comparing are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, offering a vibrant and engaging typing experience that many enthusiasts adore. Its heavier actuation weight of 63.5g paired with a silky smooth feel makes it an excellent choice for those who relish a more resistant and tactile experience while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE provides a unique experience with its clean, low sound, specifically designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to distinct tastes—whether you're drawn to the bouncy, clacky nature of the HMX Cloud or the innovative hall effect technology of the Neo Lavender. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.80 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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Neo Lavender HE switches share a significant similarity in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon is considered a classic material in the world of mechanical switches due to its inherent acoustic properties. The nylon construction contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making both switches likely to offer a near-identical typing sound and feel. Users can expect a consistent, pleasant auditory feedback during their typing sessions, which enhances the overall experience.
Though the housing materials are the same for both switches, the impact of each housing on the overall switch performance can differ based on the design and mechanical components of the switches themselves. The bottom housing mainly influences the bottom-out sound and the tactile feedback felt when a key is fully pressed. At the same time, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when the key is released. Since both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Neo Lavender HE have nylon housings, the sound profile during both the actuation and release phase is likely to be quite similar, providing a cohesive typing experience regardless of which switch is used.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Neo Lavender HE may present nuances in their overall design, their use of nylon for both top and bottom housings ensures a harmonious sound profile and tactile experience. The resemblance in the housing materials guarantees that typists will experience similar auditory characteristics, resulting in a satisfying typing experience for users of either switch. Whether one opts for the Cloud or the Lavender, the consistent use of nylon makes them appealing choices for those prioritizing sound quality and tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch with the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cloud switch features a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it feel noticeably lighter during use. This difference in weight could greatly affect typing experience; while the heavier Cloud switch may provide a more substantial feel preferred by some for typing or gaming, those who opt for the lighter Lavender HE switch might enjoy longer periods of comfortable use with less fatigue. Consequently, if one were to prioritize a lighter keypress, the Lavender HE would be the superior choice, making it the lighter option overall, whereas the Cloud would be considered the heavier switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch measures 3.9 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Cloud switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key feel that comes with traditional switches. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch, with its shorter travel distance, will deliver a quicker response time, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who thrive on rapid key actuations. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: the slightly longer 3.9 mm travel of the Cloud could be favored for depth and tactile feedback, whereas the 3.8 mm of the Lavender HE might be preferred for speed and efficiency.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a distinct clacky profile, characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This high-pitched tone produces a crisp, bright sound that can echo pleasantly in an environment, making it especially appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch provides a clean, low sound that stands apart from other magnetic switches. While the specific qualities of its tonal characteristics aren't detailed, it suggests a more subdued acoustic presence, likely offering a quieter typing experience compared to the exuberant clack of the Cloud switch.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is recognized for its bouncy and creamy sensation. The bounciness gives each keystroke a springy quality, contributing to an engaging typing experience due to the lively rebound upon pressing. Coupled with the creamy texture, this switch allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes, making it feel like your fingers glide across the keys with ease. Unfortunately, the Neo Lavender HE switch lacks a detailed description of its feel. This omission makes it challenging to directly compare the tactile experience between the two, leaving a gap in understanding how it may feel during typing.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch boasts a bright, clacky sound with a lively and smooth tactile feel that appeals to enthusiasts seeking an engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE offers a clean, low sound, though details on its tactile qualities remain unknown. If you're drawn to a vibrant auditory feedback and lively keystrokes, the Cloud - 63.5g would be an excellent choice, whereas the Lavender HE may suit those who prefer a quieter, subtler typing experience. Overall, each switch has its unique attributes catering to different preferences, ensuring that there's something for everyone in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, your decision should be guided by your preferences in tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. If you enjoy a more substantial key press, then the Cloud - 63.5g with its medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force offers a bouncy and creamy feel that many typing enthusiasts crave. Its clacky sound profile enhances the tactile experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate a brighter and more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer lighter key presses and a quieter workspace, the Neo Lavender HE would be the better choice for you. With a lower bottom-out force of 50g, it provides a smooth keystroke ideal for extended typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. Its clean and low sound profile is particularly suited for environments where discretion is valued, such as in an office setting or when gaming late at night. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort, typing habits, and sound preferences, ensuring that your keyboard experience is tailored to your personal style.
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