HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the diverse world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile, caters to enthusiasts who thrive on a bright and engaging typing feel. With its heavier actuation force of 63.5g, users can expect a silky smooth experience paired with characteristics like 'Bouncy' and 'High-pitched' sounds, making it ideal for those who prefer a dynamic auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic redefines the clicky switch category by combining innovative features such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a buttery and resonant click that invigorates each keystroke without sacrificing smoothness. This switch appeals to users who relish a tactile feedback experience characterized by 'Crunchy' and 'Invigorating' sensations. While both switches provide distinct advantages—whether it's the HMX Cloud's bright noise and smoothness or the nostalgic clickiness of the Gateron Melodic—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Melodic, one of the most notable differences lies in the composition of their top housings. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon, known for its softer properties, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile upon key actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, crisper sound. This fundamental distinction in materials affects not just the auditory experience while typing, but also the overall aesthetic appeal; the translucence of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a favored option for those seeking a vibrant visual aspect.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Melodic utilize nylon material, which leads to a consistent sensory experience in terms of sound and feel during actuation. The deeper, rounder sound profile attributed to the nylon bottom housing is pronounced in both switches, reinforcing the idea that the bottom portion significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound. Since both switches share the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a feeling of familiarity when bottoming out, irrespective of the differences present in the top housings. This contrasts with the top housings’ variability, where the materials notably contribute to each switch's distinct sound quality.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures at least a level of auditory consistency during the typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g benefits from the deeper, more subdued tones of nylon in both housings, the Melodic's polycarbonate top introduces a higher-pitched response on release. This duality means that, while the Cloud - 63.5g is better for users who prefer a fuller sound, those who opt for the Gateron Melodic can enjoy a clearer, more resonant sound profile in combination with the satisfying bottom-out feel of nylon. Despite their differences, users can draw similar tactile conclusions based on the shared nylon bottom housing, underscoring the way material choice affects performance across various keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Melodic switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. This leaves the actuation force of the Melodic unknown, but it is clear that the Cloud switch has a definitive actuation force that is slightly heavier. Consequently, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is the heavier option overall, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, users who value a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Melodic's unidentified actuation force to be a better fit, although its bottom out force is slightly less than that of the Cloud switch. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the weight characteristics distinctly cater to varied user experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, the HMX Cloud measures at 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Melodic has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Cloud switch the shorter option and potentially more suitable for users seeking quicker response times, such as gamers, who often prefer the snappier feel of shorter travels. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; while both are relatively close in travel depth, the HMX Cloud offers a slightly more responsive action due to its reduced distance.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 delivers a distinctly clacky, high-pitched auditory experience, characterized by its sharp and snappy tones that resonate vividly with each keystroke. This switch produces a crisp, bright sound profile that can be quite invigorating for enthusiasts who appreciate a more lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound, reminiscent of a crunchy autumn leaf underfoot. This switch maintains a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp quality, making it engaging and immersive, especially for those who enjoy the classic clicky feedback while simultaneously benefiting from modern enhancements like smooth lubing.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Cloud - 63.5g is defined as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and elastic sensation with every keypress. Users will appreciate the spring-like feedback coupled with a silky smoothness that makes it feel as if their fingers are gliding effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, ensuring a smooth, fluid typing experience while also offering pronounced feedback. This combination results in a typing sensation that is not only uniform but also reactive and snappy, allowing for an engaging typing experience that drives the user’s engagement.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct but appealing qualities in sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g excels in delivering a bright, clacky sound paired with a smooth, bouncy typing experience, the Gateron Melodic enriches the clicky switch realm with its resonant, crunchy acoustics and a seamless typing touch. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, whether one leans towards a lively and vibrant typing style or prefers a more classic, clicky feedback with modern enhancements.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a heavier switch that provides a silky smooth feel with a bright, clacky sound and bouncy feedback, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is likely the better fit for you. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a more robust typing experience and appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards the classic clicky sound but still want a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Melodic is your go-to option. With its resonant and crunchy sound profile, combined with recent advancements that enhance smoothness, it delivers a satisfying tactile sensation without sacrificing auditory joys. So, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound, and let that guide your choice between these two excellent switches.
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