HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to optimizing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both feel and sound. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, making it a perfect option for enthusiasts who crave a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. This heavier switch, boasting a weight of 63.5g, delivers a silky smooth feel and is characterized by its bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched qualities. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, also emphasizes a silky smooth typing experience, but offers a bright sound profile that caters to those who desire a subtler touch during their typing sessions. While both switches are linear and tailored for a smooth keystroke experience, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and weight. 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
42g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Macchiato exhibit a remarkable similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for the tops and bottoms of their switch housings. This shared characteristic is significant because nylon, as a housing material, is known for creating a distinctive sound profile that enhances the typing experience. With both models employing nylon, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when typing, a result of the material's softer plastic composition. This leads to greater sound absorption, which effectively muffles the higher frequencies and yields a rounder, more pleasant sound overall.
Despite the identical material composition, the impact of the housing on the overall typing feel varies according to the interaction with the bottom and top housings. For both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Macchiato, the bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when the key is pressed. Consequently, even though both models share the same nylon materials, the experience when typing can still feel uniquely different based on the specific characteristics of the switches installed in each model.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Macchiato have the same nylon top and bottom housings, which offer similar sound profiles, the overall user experience will also depend on factors such as switch design and feel. Users can anticipate comparable acoustic results due to the shared material properties, yet they may also appreciate nuanced differences when it comes to the actuation and release of each switch. Ultimately, the nylon housings contribute significantly to the typing experience, ensuring that both models can deliver satisfying results, while the individual designs ensure distinct user experiences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch present distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Cloud - 63.5g requires a heavier actuation force of 56 grams, compared to the Macchiato's lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This characteristic makes the Cloud more suitable for individuals who prefer a firmer push, enhancing the overall tactile experience during long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Cloud is pegged at 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down, the Macchiato's bottom out force of 50 grams contributes to a lighter bottoming experience. Therefore, for those favoring a lighter touch and less fatigue over extended periods, the Macchiato would be the ideal choice, whereas the Cloud caters to users who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch differ slightly, with the Cloud switch measuring 3.9 mm and the Macchiato switch at 4 mm. This means that the Macchiato provides a longer travel distance, which is closer to the traditional standard of 4.0 mm. Consequently, for users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress and a satisfying depth, the Macchiato would likely be the better choice. On the other hand, the Cloud switch, being slightly shorter, may appeal to gamers or those preferring quicker response times, as it offers a more immediate actuation. Thus, while both switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of travel distance, the Macchiato's longer travel offers a more robust feel, whereas the Cloud's shorter travel is designed for responsiveness.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 linear switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities, producing a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound with each keystroke. This creates a bright typing experience that can be quite appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato linear switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare its auditory qualities. However, since the Macchiato is noted for a bright sound profile, one might infer that it shares some similarities with the Cloud, potentially offering a similar energetic auditory feedback when pressed.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is described as bouncy and creamy. The bouncy quality provides a spring-like feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, giving a lively and responsive sensation with each keystroke. Coupled with its creamy characteristic, which delivers a silky and smooth typing experience, users can expect a delightful interaction with the keyboard. The Macchiato switch, however, lacks detailed descriptions about its feel, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this facet. Still, if both switches are designed to offer silky smooth experiences, users may find that they are not far off when it comes to tactile enjoyment.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a vibrant auditory experience marked by its clacky, high-pitched sounds and a lively, creamy feel, the HMX Macchiato switch's specific sound and feel characteristics remain undisclosed. Nonetheless, both switches aim to deliver a smooth typing experience, which may resonate well with typists seeking a refined touch. Choosing between these two may ultimately come down to personal preference in sound, especially with the Cloud's clearly defined auditory profile. If brightness and smoothness are pivotal, either switch could serve you well, but further exploration of the Macchiato's qualities could yield more definitive insights.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you find yourself drawn to a more robust typing experience with a clacky and bright sound profile, while also enjoying the engaging feedback that a medium-heavy switch provides, then the Cloud - 63.5g is the right fit for you. Its bouncy response and silky smoothness can enhance your productivity and enjoyment, particularly for those who appreciate an energetic feel while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with a smoother, more subtle sound and feel, the HMX Macchiato would be your go-to option. This switch offers a delightfully creamy and easy typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or leisurely gaming without the strain. Ultimately, it comes down to your desired typing dynamics, whether you want a lively, pronounced experience or a soft, gentle glide.
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