HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea, also a linear switch, boasts a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound and a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a lighter actuation force of 43.5g and stem material that enhances ease of typing, the Milk Tea is designed for prolonged typing sessions. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique sound profiles, with the Cloud - 63.5g featuring nylon top and bottom housings, and the Milk Tea utilizing POM for both components. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder sound profile. On the other hand, POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different auditory experience compared to nylon.
Although both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile they create is quite similar. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g and the POM top housing of the Milk Tea both offer a deeper and unique sound experience, with the nylon being slightly softer and the POM being more muted. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g and the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contribute to the overall sound profile, with the Nylon providing a fuller sound and the POM offering a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in the sound and feel of the keystrokes. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balance in the sound profile, offering users a satisfying typing experience with either switch option. Ultimately, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Milk Tea provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, thanks to their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we can see that the Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams for the Milk Tea. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, making it heavier than the bottom out force of the Milk Tea at 43.5 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Milk Tea offers a lighter typing experience, suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. The actuation and bottom out forces on these switches differ, with the Cloud - 63.5g being heavier overall compared to the lighter Milk Tea switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. Gamers looking for a faster response might prefer the Milk Tea switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel when typing may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches are described as clacky and high-pitched. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a sharp and bright sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience depending on personal preference.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a lively rebound sensation and a smooth, buttery feel. In comparison, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering a refined finish and exceptionally smooth typing experience. The Milk Tea switch is designed with prolonged typing sessions in mind, with an accessible bottom-out force of just 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material to ensure effortless keystrokes. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and pleasurable typing feel, enabling users to enjoy long hours of typing without fatigue.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky and bright sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Milk Tea switch presents a high-pitched and muted sound with a polished and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing needs, users can choose between these switches to achieve a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. If a user enjoys a clacky sound and a smooth keystroke, they can opt for the Cloud - 63.5g, while those looking for a unique auditory blend and effortless typing experience may prefer the Milk Tea switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a unique high-pitched, marbly sound and a polished, silky feel, the Milk Tea switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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