HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Light Tactile offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, making it a unique choice among tactile switches on the market. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bouncy and high-pitched experience, the Light Tactile offers a neutral and polished typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
52g
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
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Light Tactile provide different sound profiles due to their distinct properties. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile produces a sharper and crisper sound. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound, whereas the stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Light Tactile feature nylon housings. This common material choice results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness absorbs sound for a rounder tone. As a result, the typing experience on both switches would likely have comparable characteristics in terms of sound and feel. However, the differences in their top housing materials would still contribute to a distinct overall sound profile for each switch. It is worth noting that the bottom housing material plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Light Tactile showcase how different plastics can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the contrast in their top housing materials - nylon for the Cloud - 63.5g and polycarbonate for the Light Tactile - highlights the variety in sound profiles that can be achieved. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate, these differences in housing materials offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams, while the Light Tactile has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, while the Light Tactile needs 67 grams, making the Light Tactile the heavier of the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Tactile may be the better choice, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the HMX Cloud has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Light Tactile. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cloud being on the shallower end and the Light Tactile being slightly deeper. Gamers may prefer the HMX Cloud for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Durock Light Tactile. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance for typing or gaming, but the slight difference in length may cater to different preferences.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 sound profile, creating a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a softer and jelly-like sound, offering a more angelic and gentle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound, with the Cloud switch appealing to those who enjoy a brighter and snappier sound, and the Light Tactile switch providing a more neutral and moderate sound suitable for various settings.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Cloud switch focusing on a livelier and more rebounding feel, while the Light Tactile switch prioritizes a refined and approachable typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Cloud switch is ideal for those who prefer a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Light Tactile switch is perfect for those who enjoy a softer and jelly-like sound with a mild and polished feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience that you are sure to appreciate as a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel and bouncy feedback, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle, angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and a mild, polished feel, the Light Tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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