HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate toward the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Mars, both of which offer a linear typing experience but cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its heavier actuation weight and distinct clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a bright, audio-rich typing experience alongside a smooth tactile feel. This switch is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, making it an excellent fit for users who appreciate both feedback and auditory stimulation during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Mars introduces a unique design with its POK stem and hybrid housing of Nylon and POM, which emphasizes durability and smoothness but lacks the pronounced sound characteristics of the Cloud. Opting for the Mars can be a great choice for users who prioritize a quiet and consistent keystroke without sacrificing performance. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Mars switches, a significant similarity lies in their top housing materials. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, leading to a comparable sound profile that is warm and rounded. Nylon’s properties, being a softer plastic, contribute to a deeper sound when typing. This results in a fuller auditory experience that's generally regarded as more satisfying than switches made with harder plastics. Users familiar with the sound characteristics of the Cloud - 63.5g can expect a similar acoustic quality from the Mars, providing both switches with an engaging and muted sound during use.
However, the contrast between the two switches becomes apparent with their bottom housing materials. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon bottom housing, which, due to its softer composition, continues the tradition of producing a deep and rich sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches utilize POM for their bottom housings. POM is noted for providing a unique and pleasing sound profile that also skews towards the deeper range but offers a distinct muted quality. This disparity signifies that while both switches may share the same delightful sound qualities through their nylon tops, their bottom housings will affect the sound and feel differently during usage sessions, particularly at the point of bottoming out when a key is pressed.
Ultimately, when considering the overall performance of both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Mars, the differences in their bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the user experience. While the nylon top housings ensure a consistent and pleasant sound profile across both switches, the Cloud - 63.5g maintains a softer and deeper sound through its nylon bottom, whereas the Gateron Mars introduces a unique sound character through its POM material, which may appeal to users seeking that specific auditory experience. Therefore, while similar sound results can be produced with the nylon top housing, the distinct experiences derived from their bottom materials set the two switches apart.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch requires an actuation force of 56 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category, which may appeal to users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Mars switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a lighter touch, especially beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is currently unknown, so a direct comparison in that aspect cannot be made. Overall, the HMX Cloud switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron Mars switch’s lighter actuation force, suggesting that users might feel a more decisive feedback with the Cloud while the Mars could provide a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their specifications. The HMX Cloud boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud switch offers a deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Mars switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who value quicker response times and a more snappy feel, which is often favored by gamers. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness and prefer a lighter touch, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice, while the HMX Cloud would suit those who appreciate more depth in their key presses.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g clearly stands out with its clacky and high-pitched profile, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience that many typists find engaging. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback during typing sessions. The acoustics of the Cloud - 63.5g switches can elevate the overall typing experience, contributing to the enjoyment and enthusiasm that keyboard aficionados often seek. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches do not have specific sound characteristics detailed, which leaves their auditory profile largely unknown. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard's design and choice of keycaps, so the experience may vary.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is characterized by its bouncy and creamy sensation, providing both lively feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This unique combination allows for a delightful interaction with the keys, where each press gives a satisfying rebound while gliding effortlessly across the board. The sensation of a “creamy” switch often results from high-quality materials or factory-applied lubricants, enhancing the tactile pleasure during use. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Mars switches remains unspecified, thus making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Nevertheless, enthusiasts may find that they still enjoy a similar tactile experience, depending on the specific design and materials used in the Mars switches.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a distinct sound profile alongside a delightful tactile experience, making it a favored choice among those who enjoy pronounced feedback while typing. The Gateron Mars linear switch, while lacking detailed descriptions of sound and feel, still has the potential to deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on its construction. For newcomers to the mechanical keyboard landscape, opting for either switch can yield rewarding results; however, the Cloud - 63.5g offers specific qualities that cater directly to enthusiasts seeking brightness and smoothness, whereas the Mars may appeal to those who prioritize innovative design without established characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Mars switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and experiences. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can help improve typing accuracy, while its clacky sound profile offers a bright and vibrant auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find appealing. The bouncy and creamy feel enhances the overall experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate a lively and smooth interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more unique and potentially quieter option, the Gateron Mars may appeal to you—though specific details about its sound and feel are less defined. Its innovative design blending nylon and POM material could offer a distinctive experience, catering to those curious about exploring non-traditional switch constructions. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that excites and energizes your typing sessions, go for the Cloud - 63.5g. If you're on the lookout for something different that promises innovation, consider giving the Gateron Mars a try.
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