HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Lunar Probe 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 Lunar Probe both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is popular for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe, also a linear switch, is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed sensation, along with a stable keypress mechanism. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the Lunar Probe focuses on consistency and smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Lunar Probe, one can see a significant difference in the materials used. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lunar Probe utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a duller and rounder sound, the Lunar Probe provides a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials of the two switches, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Lunar Probe use nylon. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the top housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences in the top housing material shape the sound when a key is released.
Overall, the choice between a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate top housing will heavily impact the sound profile of the switch. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a softer and deeper sound, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing yields a sharper and clearer sound. Regardless of the bottom housing material similarity, the top housing plays a significant role in producing the desired sound profile for users. Whether seeking a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and resonant sound, understanding the impact of housing materials is essential when selecting a switch for a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Lunar Probe the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams of force, while the Lunar Probe needs 50 grams, indicating that the Cloud - 63.5g is also heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g, as it offers a higher actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Gateron Lunar Probe to be a more suitable choice. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but the choice ultimately depends on the preference of the user.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Lunar Probe has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The difference may seem minimal, but for some users, even a fraction of a millimeter can make a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the Lunar Probe, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so users seeking similar results can expect a slight difference in feel with their travel distance preference.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a more subtle sound signature, allowing for a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches will provide a satisfying sound, but the Cloud - 63.5g will likely be louder and more pronounced compared to the Lunar Probe.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and smooth, buttery sensation. This switch is designed to give a lively and silky smooth feel, ensuring comfortable and responsive keystrokes. The Gateron Lunar Probe switch, on the other hand, is known for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a consistent and stable typing experience. While the Lunar Probe may not offer the same bouncy feel as the Cloud - 63.5g, it still provides a satisfying and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a more subtle sound profile and an incredibly smooth typing sensation, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more consistent typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider your preferences in bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a stable and consistent linear sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most.
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