HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gazzew LT both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is praised for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, also a linear switch, stands out with its enticing lilac hue and deep, resonant thockiness, offering a seamless glide with every keystroke. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', the Gazzew LT is 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their unique attributes that may appeal to different users. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gazzew LT both aim to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, but they achieve this in slightly different ways. The Cloud - 63.5g features nylon top and bottom housings, known for their softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT uses a proprietary plastic blend for both the top and bottom housings, which is sometimes referred to as "boba plastic" and is also praised for its softness and ability to create a deep sound profile.
While both switches share the goal of providing a deep and rich sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing materials may offer a slightly different feel and sound compared to the Gazzew LT's proprietary plastic blend. The softer nature of nylon may result in a more muted and rounded sound when typing, while the Gazzew blend may provide a crisper and more distinct sound. Additionally, the impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switch may vary depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing being pressed.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gazzew LT each have their own unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. While both aim to deliver a deep and rich sound profile, the choice between nylon and the proprietary Gazzew blend may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and performance from both switches, with slight differences in sound profile and feel based on the specific housing materials used.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Gazzew LT has an actuation force labeled as None and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Gazzew LT slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience. The actuation force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a lighter touch compared to the Gazzew LT, which might be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those looking for a more solid and pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, which is longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a slightly deeper key press compared to the LT switch. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the LT switch may be the better choice with its shorter travel distance. Gamers especially tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. However, if you appreciate a more substantial key press, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be more suitable due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 clacky and high-pitched typing experience, which produces a sharp and bright sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, delivering a deep and rich tone that resonates with each press. While the Cloud switch is known for its crisp and percussive sound, the LT switch offers a more mellow and satisfying thockiness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for a brighter or deeper auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This switch provides a lively feel with a silky smooth texture, making each keystroke glide effortlessly. On the other hand, information on the tactile qualities of the Gazzew LT switch is currently unavailable. However, based on the information provided, it can be assumed that the LT switch may also offer a smooth and seamless typing experience, similar to the creamy sensation of the Cloud - 63.5g switch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gazzew LT switches present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a lively feedback sensation. On the other hand, the LT switch offers a bassy, thocky sound profile and a seamless glide with each keystroke, providing a deep and resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer their own distinct qualities for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switches or Gazzew LT linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and higher-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, bassy, thocky sound with a seamless glide when typing, the Gazzew LT switches could be more to your liking. Consider what type of typing experience you value most and choose accordingly.
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