HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are both popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is praised for its buttery smoothness and satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a budget-friendly option for those who prioritize a smooth and affordable typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different types of users; 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
52g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon top housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound profile when typing, creating a consistent experience for users of either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the Cloud - 63.5g and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ slightly in how they impact the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, with nylon material providing a softer and more cushioned typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, slight variations in design may affect how users perceive the feedback and sound produced when typing.
Overall, the similarities between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) result in comparable sound profiles and typing experiences for users. Both switches leverage the properties of nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, with the bottom and top housings each playing a role in shaping the overall feel of the switch. Whether choosing the Cloud - 63.5g or the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the use of nylon housing materials in both switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer different experiences for users. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a stronger push feel, ideal for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter touch, allowing users to type for longer periods comfortably. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches comes down to whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Milky Red Pro's 4 mm travel distance. While both switches are relatively close in terms of distance, the difference may be noticeable to those who are sensitive to the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more traditional and slightly deeper feel may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either option.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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, perfect for those who prefer a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch provides a bassy and thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, offering a deeper and richer auditory feedback during key presses. Depending on personal preference, users can enjoy either the sharpness and brightness of the Cloud - 63.5g or the depth and richness of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation with each keystroke. In comparison, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch provides a buttery feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing experience that is smooth and fluid. Whether you prefer a more lively and elastic feedback like the Cloud - 63.5g or a silky and effortless keystroke like the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both switches provide a comfortable typing sensation tailored to individual preferences.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a smooth and buttery feel with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches, both options deliver excellent performance and satisfaction, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you are looking for a clacky sound profile and a heavier key feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more budget-friendly option with a buttery typing experience and a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the sensory experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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