HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a bouncy, bright typing experience. This heavier switch (63.5g) is designed for those who thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy a more energetic response while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more distinctive feel as they type without overwhelming noise. Both switches have their unique advantages: if you seek a lively soundscape and a buttery typing experience, the HMX Cloud may be your best pick; however, if you favor precision feedback with moderate acoustics, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be the perfect match. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, it is noteworthy to highlight that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a renowned plastic in the mechanical keyboard community, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to nylon's relatively soft nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the MX Purple RGB share this characteristic, leading to a similar auditory experience, where the typing sounds tend to be rounder and less harsh.
Despite the similarities in material, the potential for variance in tactile feel and acoustic response is dependent on each switch's design and internal mechanisms. While both switches benefit from nylon's sound-absorbing properties, the overall user experience may differ slightly due to the switch's respective actuation mechanisms and spring tensions. For instance, if the Cloud - 63.5g employs a different spring configuration compared to the MX Purple RGB, users might perceive differences in the force required to press down the key and how the sound evolves upon key release. Thus, although both utilize identical housing materials, the individual characteristics of each switch can create subtly distinct experiences.
In conclusion, the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB set a solid foundation for comparable acoustic profiles and typing experiences. Yet, it is essential to recognize that the interaction of these nylon housings with each switch's unique internal components will influence how sound and tactile feedback are experienced. Therefore, while users can expect a generally consistent sound and feel thanks to the nylon material, the actual experience will be nuanced by the specific design elements of each switch, creating a landscape rich with both resemblance and individual character.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, their actuation forces reveal some significant differences. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams, which is on the medium-heavy side, while the MX Purple RGB has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the HMX Cloud switch will require more effort to press down, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, being lighter, is more conducive for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. The bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is not specified, while the HMX Cloud's bottom out force is 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully pressed. Overall, users seeking a lighter touch should opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB, whereas those desiring a heavier resistance might find the HMX Cloud - 63.5g more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which places it in the longer category. This 0.1 mm difference might seem minimal, but it can influence the typing experience; gamers may prefer the HMX Cloud for its potentially snappier response, while those who favor a more substantial feel might lean towards the Cherry MX Purple. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the HMX Cloud is the more suitable choice, whereas the Cherry MX Purple offers a more pronounced typing depth.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 stands out with its distinct clacky audio profile, delivering a sharp, bright, and percussive sound with every keystroke. This high-pitched quality resonates well with enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch's sound characteristics are unspecified in the provided information, making it difficult to offer a direct comparison. However, one might consider that the choice of keyboard and keycaps can significantly influence the overall acoustic output for both switches, potentially leading to variable results.
Focusing on the tactile experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is designed to deliver a bouncy and creamy feel. This switch emphasizes a spring-like rebound, providing an elastic sensation which is further enhanced by its silky smooth action. Typing on this switch feels almost effortless, reminiscent of gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is known for offering a refined tactile feedback with a short, medium-strength bump. Unfortunately, specific details about its complete tactile sensation—similar to the Cloud switch's bounciness and creaminess—are not provided, making a thorough comparison challenging.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch shines with its clacky sound and smooth, bouncy tactile feel, appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant typing experience. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a distinct tactile bump, its sound profile remains a mystery. For newcomers selecting between these two options, if sound is a key factor, the Cloud switch will clearly stand out, but the overall feel of the Purple would be worth considering for its tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and personal experience will dictate which is the better fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a bouncy feel, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force adds to the tactile satisfaction, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lively typing experience and are comfortable with a bit of noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined tactile feedback with a more understated sound profile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB will serve you well. This switch offers a subtle bump with a smooth typing experience, making it a good fit for users who want a balance of performance and quieter key presses without compromising on feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your priorities in sound, feedback, and typing comfort.
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