HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Orange stand out as distinct options for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, characterized by its bouncy, clacky, and creamy sound profile, offers a delightful auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a robust typing feel with a silky smooth actuation. Its heavier 63.5g resistance can provide added precision and control, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the reissued Cherry MX Orange switches combine the nostalgic characteristics of the original MX Orange with modern enhancements, offering a balanced performance without the clicky feedback, perfect for users who favor quieter environments or shared spaces. While both switches feature linear action and cater to different tactile preferences, they each bring unique advantages: the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excites with its lively sound and feel, while the Cherry MX Orange maintains a more subdued, refined operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Orange switches utilize nylon as their housing material, encompassing both the top and bottom components of the switch. Due to this shared material composition, both switches are poised to deliver a similar auditory experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile. This effect can be attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound wave vibrations compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a rounded, duller sound when pressed, making their acoustic properties closely aligned.
Moreover, the similarities in housing materials extend beyond mere sound characteristics. Because both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Cherry MX Orange switches employ nylon for both components, the tactile feedback during typing will also exhibit a comparable feel. The nylon bottom housing, being softer, yields a distinct tactile response as the key bottoms out, while the nylon top housing affects the sound as one releases the key. This synergistic relationship between the top and bottom housing contributes to a cohesive typing feel across both switch types, further enhancing the user's overall experience.
In scenarios where different materials are employed for the top and bottom housing, the unique properties of each would yield a distinct sound profile and tactile response, thereby creating a varied typing experience based on their respective compositions. However, since both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon throughout, users can expect consistent results in sound and feel, benefiting from the comforting qualities that nylon inherently offers. The unified choice of material is pivotal in rendering these switches not only recognizable to the user but also dependable in performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we find that they are quite similar in some respects. The HMX Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams, while the Cherry MX Orange features a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams. This makes the Cherry MX Orange the lighter option, which some users may prefer for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the HMX Cloud switch is 63.5 grams, indicating a substantial tactile feedback upon bottoming out, whereas the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is listed as unavailable. Without specific data for the Cherry MX Orange's bottom out force, we cannot draw direct comparisons in that regard. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that provides a slightly lighter actuation with potentially less overall fatigue during long use, the Cherry MX Orange may be preferable; however, for those who favor a firmer bottoming out experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange measures slightly longer at 4.0 mm. This difference means that the HMX Cloud switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as a shorter distance can facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial sensation for those who prefer a deeper keystroke, offering a balance of feedback and depth. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more hearty 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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 delivers a distinctively clacky sound profile that enthusiasts often appreciate for its sharp and percussive qualities. This switch produces a high-pitched, bright sound, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks a specified sound profile in the information provided, leaving its auditory qualities unknown. However, since sound is also influenced by the keyboard design and keycap material, it is fair to anticipate that the MX Orange may have its own unique audio characteristics, albeit not detailed here.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a unique combination of bounciness and creaminess, providing a delightful typing experience. The bouncy sensation gives users an elastic feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke, while the creamy texture ensures a smooth and buttery interaction. This creates an effect akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, there is no information available about the feel of the MX Orange switch, which makes it difficult to draw any direct comparisons or conclusions about its tactile qualities.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with its clacky sound and delightful feel, making it an enticing option for those who appreciate responsiveness and a lively typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange switch presents an unknown sound profile and does not have a specified feel, making it harder to evaluate against the Cloud switch. While both switches likely cater to different preferences, if you enjoy a brighter auditory experience and a smooth tactile feedback, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the optimal choice. A thorough exploration of the MX Orange's sound and feel would undoubtedly help clarify its standing in comparison to the Cloud switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Orange switch, your personal preferences and typing style will guide your choice. If you enjoy a typing experience that is both tactile and pleasingly loud, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g will likely be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams ensures a substantial feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of resistance while typing. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who thrive on a clacky sound profile, enjoying the sharp, bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer something that maintains a more muted presence without sacrificing quality, you might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange switches. Although its specific bottom-out force isn't specified, the MX Orange switches are known for their balance of smoothness and stability, making them suitable for users who favor a quieter yet still gratifying typing experience. Overall, choose HMX Cloud - 63.5g for a lively and engaging sound and feel, while the Cherry MX Orange is your choice for a dependable and more refined input.
Mentioned in this article
