HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are popular options to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is praised for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a textured and bassy feel. Ultimately, choosing the best switch for you will depend on your preferences and typing style. 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
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Brown are quite similar in terms of their top and bottom nylon housings. Both switches utilize nylon as a housing material, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Cloud - 63.5g or the MX Brown switches.
However, where the two switches may differ is in the specific design and engineering of their housing materials. While both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, the internal structure and arrangement of these components may vary, leading to subtle differences in sound and feel. The bottom housing, for instance, has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. These nuances in design can result in slightly different typing experiences between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Brown switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Brown switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that users are looking for. While both switches share similar nylon housing materials that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the internal design and arrangement of these components may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel. Ultimately, users may need to test both switches to determine which one aligns best with their typing preferences and needs.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 56 grams, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the MX Brown the lighter of the two. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, while the MX Brown needs 55 grams, meaning the Cloud - 63.5g is heavier in this aspect. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a substantial push feel, while the MX Brown provides a medium-light touch, perfect for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches have similar actuation forces, but their bottom out forces differ, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch. The 0.1 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the keys. The Cloud - 63.5g may provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 experience, giving off a sharp and crisp sound that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a more bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and richer audio profile during key presses. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharpness of the Cloud - 63.5g or the mellower tones of the MX Brown.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery feel. This gives users a lively and silky smooth typing experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the textured feel of the MX Brown, while others may opt for the smooth and bouncy sensation of the Cloud - 63.5g.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a spring-like bounce may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g, while those seeking a subtler and textured feel may opt for the Cherry MX Brown. With these differences in mind, users can choose the switch that best suits their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a brighter, clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, along with a lighter bottom out force, the Cherry MX Brown switch is a great option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the characteristics that align with your ideal keyboard experience.
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