HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique advantages for different types of users. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation, perfect for enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet satisfying typing experience ideal for professional settings. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Mountain Top focuses on a subtle and discreet typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Mountain Top, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon as their housing material. The similarities in housing materials between the two switches suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Despite the shared nylon housing material, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Mountain Top may still exhibit subtle differences in their overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it is where the keypress ultimately lands. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. These distinctions mean that while both switches use the same housing material, the nuances in design and construction could lead to variations in sound and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the decision between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron Mountain Top may come down to personal preference in typing experience. Both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing, such as deeper and fuller sound profiles. However, users looking for a specific feel when pressing down on a key versus releasing it may find subtle differences in how the bottom and top housing materials affect the overall typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a solid typing experience with the classic nylon housing material, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we see a notable difference in weight. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. This makes the Mountain Top switch a lighter option compared to the Cloud - 63.5g, which is considered medium-heavy in terms of force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mountain Top switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. For those who prefer quicker response times, the Mountain Top switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Cloud - 63.5g switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, resulting in a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound, which is moderate in both actuation force requirement and sound profile. If you prefer a louder and more pronounced typing sound, the Cloud switch would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a quieter and more discreet typing experience, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback when typing. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a gentle resistance with a light and responsive typing feel. If you enjoy a more cushioned and silky typing experience, the Cloud switch would be ideal, whereas if you prefer a light and effortless typing feel, the Mountain Top switch would be a better fit.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities to cater to varying preferences. The Cloud switch leans towards a brighter and more tactile typing experience, while the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a quieter and light actuation typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to enhance your typing experience accordingly, ensuring a satisfying and comfortable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and environment. If you enjoy a brighter, clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy typing feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more discreet and light typing experience designed for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a quiet yet responsive feel with its light actuation force. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage.
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