HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and bright typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and high-pitched feel while typing. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a budget-friendly linear switch from Gateron that stands out for its smoothness, low "thocky" sound, and thick resistance, making it versatile for both gaming and typing purposes. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g appeals to those seeking a silky smooth typing experience, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) shines as an all-purpose switch with buttery goodness. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. The duller and rounder sound produced by nylon contributes to a more satisfying typing experience overall.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the weight of the springs used, with the Cloud - 63.5g having a heavier actuation force compared to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Despite this variation, the nylon housing material in both switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and tactile feedback. The softer nature of nylon allows for a quieter typing experience, as it dampens the sound of key presses, creating a more pleasant typing environment. Whether typing on the Cloud - 63.5g or the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), users can expect a similar level of comfort and acoustics thanks to the nylon housing material.
While the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are the same, with both switches utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings, the weight of the switches may impact the overall typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g's heavier actuation force may provide a more tactile typing experience compared to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). However, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and feel, with a deeper and fuller sound that is characteristic of nylon housing materials. Ultimately, whether using the Cloud - 63.5g or the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), users can expect a high-quality typing experience with minimal sound disruption, thanks to the properties of nylon.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, with 56 grams versus 50 grams respectively. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g is also slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the 62 grams of the Milky Yellow Pro. Both switches fall into the category of medium actuation and bottom out forces, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards the heavier side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro might be the better choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and weight to their keystrokes may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches are relatively minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly shallower press, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a bit more depth to the key press. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer comparable experiences with only a slight difference in travel 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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, giving off a sharp and percussive sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a bassy and low-pitched thocky sound, creating a deep and rich tone that is quite satisfying. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud switch being brighter and sharper while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery and possibly textured feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a smooth keystroke experience, with the Cloud switch being bouncy and creamy, and the Milky Yellow Pro being buttery and possibly textured.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud switch is brighter and bouncy, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a mellow and buttery typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a creamy feel or a bassy, thocky sound with a buttery sensation, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a bright, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, thocky sound and a buttery, textured feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sound or feel of the switch in your typing or gaming experience.
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