HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch best known for its clacky sound profile and heavier weight, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, offering a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a distinctive sound profile resembling a shaking spray paint can. While each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, ultimately the best choice comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Luciola, one noticeable difference lies in the sound profile they create. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Cloud - 63.5g result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Luciola's INK blend housing offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
Despite their differences in sound profile, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Luciola share some similarities. Both switches utilize high-quality materials in their construction, with the Cloud - 63.5g using nylon for its housing and the Luciola incorporating Gateron's proprietary INK blend. These materials contribute to the overall durability and performance of the switches, ensuring a reliable typing experience for users. Additionally, both switches benefit from the unique characteristics of their housing materials, whether it be the sound profile created by nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g or the clacky sound produced by the INK blend in the Luciola.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on bottom-out sound and feel, are felt when pressing down on a switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction is important to consider when comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Luciola, as it highlights how each component contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing or the pointed and clacky sound of the Luciola's INK blend housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience shaped by their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is clear that both switches have similar weights. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams, but both have a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams and 60 grams, respectively. This means that in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, users can expect similar results from both switches. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Luciola may be the better choice, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, whether one is lighter or heavier than the other is subjective and depends on individual preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Luciola. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a quicker response time may opt for the Gateron Luciola with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Luciola switches offer a clacky typing experience, with a sharp and percussive sound profile. However, the Luciola switches have additional characteristics such as being chirpy and marbly, adding a unique touch to the auditory feedback. Despite these differences, the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches are described as bouncy and creamy, providing a springy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches offer a snappy and buttery feel, ensuring a responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the Luciola switches adds to the sleekness of the typing sensation. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Luciola switches both have their unique sound and feel qualities, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, the Luciola switches provide additional characteristics like being chirpy and buttery. Whether you prefer a brighter typing experience with a silky smooth feel or a glow-in-the-dark switch with a bouncy and responsive feel, these switches have something to offer for every mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a glow-in-the-dark switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a unique sound profile that includes chirpy and marbly characteristics, then the Gateron Luciola switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most.
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