HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Lotus, both linear switches. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. While the Cloud switch is characterized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, high-pitched, the Lotus switch does not fall into any specific category. Each switch has its own unique features and advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. However, let's explore further beyond generalities so you can choose the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Lotus use nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material. This consistency in housing material ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and typing feel from both keyboards.
However, despite both keyboards using nylon for their housing materials, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g takes a different approach in its design compared to the HMX Lotus. While both keyboards offer a classic switch housing material in nylon, the Cloud - 63.5g may feature a unique shape or construction that sets it apart from the Lotus. This could result in a slightly different typing experience, even though the underlying material remains the same.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Lotus may be the same, but subtle design differences could lead to variations in typing feel and sound output. Ultimately, both keyboards offer a classic switch housing material in nylon that provides a deep and full sound profile, making them suitable choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience. Whether opting for the Cloud - 63.5g or the Lotus, users can expect a consistent level of quality and performance from these keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch show clear differences in weight. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a lighter typing feel. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Lotus will be gentler on the fingers and more suitable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the HMX Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lotus with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference and intended use, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual typing or gaming style.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch is said to have a bright and resonant sound quality, which can provide a delightful typing experience. Depending on personal preference, enthusiasts may lean towards the sharper sound of the Cloud - 63.5g or the bright sound of the Lotus.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch is known for providing a super bouncy feeling, making every keystroke a delight. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g focusing on a silky smooth feel and the Lotus offering a lively and rebounding sensation.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Lotus switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a heavier weight, the Lotus switch provides a bouncy and super lively feel with a medium weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation. Regardless of the selection, users can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience from either switch option.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Lotus linear switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavier, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches could be more to your liking. Consider the type of typing experience you prefer, whether it be clacky and smooth or bouncy and bright, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels and sounds best to you.
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