HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Magnetic Jade stand out as two formidable choices, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that offers a heavier resistance coupled with a bright and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal option for enthusiasts who seek both auditory feedback and a satisfying tactile response. It provides a silky smooth feel that feels both bouncy and creamy under the fingers, perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, also delivers a bright and clacky sound but is specifically engineered for enhanced acoustic performance and a premium typing experience—making it an attractive choice for users looking for innovation and quality. While both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, the HMX Cloud leans toward a traditional linear feel with heavier resistance, whereas the Magnetic Jade introduces cutting-edge hall effect technology to elevate your typing game. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, one must consider the contrasting properties of the top housings. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This absorption property of nylon leads to a duller and rounder sound, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer in nature. This rigidity results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile that is notably crisper, appealing to individuals who desire a more resonant acoustic feedback when typing. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate demonstrates its advantage for users interested in RGB lighting, allowing for better illumination through the switch.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing; both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Magnetic Jade utilize a nylon bottom housing. This shared nylon material influences the sound profile and tactile feedback at the bottom of the switch, as nylon tends to absorb sound, providing a consistent deep and full acoustic experience. This design choice ensures that while the top housings may differ in acoustic characteristics, the overall typing experience will possess a degree of uniformity at the bottom-out phase. Consequently, both switches can elicit similar results in terms of sound absorption and tactile feel during key press, creating an engaging experience for typists irrespective of the variation in their top housing.
Ultimately, the different top housing materials in the Cloud - 63.5g and the Magnetic Jade create distinct auditory profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing offers a cohesive foundation that ties them together in terms of acoustic properties. The characteristics of the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall typing experience, with the top contributing to the release sound and the bottom influencing the bottom-out feel. This interplay between materials ensures that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience, whether they prefer the deeper tones of nylon or the sharper echoes of polycarbonate. Both switches allow for a balanced acoustic response, enabling typists to select the switch that best aligns with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are significant differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Cloud switch has a stronger actuation force of 56 grams, requiring a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke, which can provide a more substantial typing experience, especially favored by users who appreciate a heavier feel. Its bottom out force is also higher at 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch is notably lighter, with an actuation force of only 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This lighter touch can facilitate longer typing sessions with less fatigue, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort over the tactile feedback of a heavier switch. Overall, while both switches provide unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is the heavier option, and the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the differences become clear. The HMX Cloud switch boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Cloud switch provides a deeper press, which may be favored by users who appreciate that hearty depth for tactile feedback. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to offer quicker response times that can be advantageous for gamers seeking fast action. Overall, if you prefer a more traditional, deeper feel, the HMX Cloud is the better choice, but for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes and a snappier experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be more suitable.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 delivers a distinctively clacky auditory experience. Characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality, this switch resonates with enthusiasts who favor that sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. The high-pitched nature of the Cloud switch is ideal for users seeking to avoid the deeper, bass-heavy tones found in some other switches. While specific sound quality details for the Gateron Magnetic Jade are not provided, it is known for a similarly bright and clacky sound, making it a wonderful choice for those intent on enhancing their auditory experience. Both switches can be expected to offer lively acoustics, though the specific nuances may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choice used.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with its bouncy and creamy characteristics. Users can expect a delightful, spring-like rebound when pressing down on the keys, adding a lively tactile feedback during typing sessions. This switch also boasts a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys for a silky sensation. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Magnetic Jade switches is not specified, leaving it uncertain how they may compare in this aspect. However, the Cloud switch’s lively and soft sensations set a high bar in terms of engagement and comfort while typing.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a bright, clacky sound and satisfying typing experience. While the Cloud switch offers a defined and delightful bouncy and creamy feel, details on the Magnetic Jade’s tactile feedback remain unknown. Nonetheless, if you appreciate a lively auditory and tactile experience, both of these switches promise to deliver engaging and enjoyable typing sessions, enhancing your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a heavier feel with a satisfying 63.5-gram bottom-out force, and appreciate a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an engaging auditory dimension to your typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is an excellent choice. Its combination of a bouncy and creamy tactile sensation makes it ideal for enthusiasts who spend long hours typing or gaming and who thrive on physical feedback while maintaining a lively, responsive feel. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, which allows for quicker actuation and a less tiring typing experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is more suited to your style. Its capability to offer superior acoustics alongside a bright and clacky sound makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize an upgraded sensory experience on their keyboards, especially if you own a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and sensory preferences to ensure your keyboard enhances your productivity and enjoyment.
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