HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature that appeals to those seeking a unique typing experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is bouncy, clacky, and creamy, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the performance difference.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of the top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a similar sound profile to its bottom housing, providing a consistent deep and full sound when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when releasing a key. This difference in top housing material highlights how the choice of materials can impact not only the sound but also the overall typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing feel. While both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Medium Tactile feature nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound. The split qualities between top and bottom housings showcase how each material can uniquely contribute to the overall typing experience, making the choice of housing materials an essential factor for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific sound profiles and typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, it can be seen that the Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Medium Tactile switch, which does not specify an actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams and the Medium Tactile at 65 grams. This means that while the actuation force may vary between the two switches, the typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be quite similar. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Durock switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch. The 0.1 mm difference may not seem significant, but for some users, it can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. If you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of functionality, but the slight difference in travel distance caters to individual preferences.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature that is pronounced yet balanced. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a bright and snappy sound or a more rounded tactile sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is accented, stepped, mild, and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with prominent tactility that is not overwhelming. Both switches offer different levels of tactility and feedback, so choosing between them would depend on your preference for a more lively or subtle typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Durock Medium Tactile switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature with pronounced yet balanced tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be the better option, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is ideal for those who prefer a brighter and snappier sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels and sounds most comfortable to you.
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