HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red, both linear switches. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing enthusiasts with a bright and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust and responsive typing experience. While both switches offer unique characteristics, such as the Cloud's 'Bouncy' and 'Creamy' feel and the MX Red's 'Thocky' and 'Textured' attributes, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience. The nylon material in both switches is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience for users looking for a quieter keyboard option.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, they may differ in the overall feel and sound produced during typing. The top housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. This distinction may result in subtle differences in typing feel and sound between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red, despite both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red may come down to personal preference regarding the specific typing experience desired. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile thanks to their nylon housing material, but slight differences in sound and feel may be present due to the individual nuances of the switches' top and bottom housings. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable typing experience with either switch, with the decision potentially boiling down to nuanced preferences in sound and feel during typing sessions.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch differ in weight. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it overall heavier. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cherry MX Red due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g for its heavier forces. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, but the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a slightly heavier touch compared to the Cherry MX Red.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cloud being on the shorter side and the MX Red being slightly longer. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloud for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the MX Red provides a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience that may appeal to enthusiasts looking for a crisp and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and more bass-heavy tone that combines a satisfying auditory depth with its slightly heftier feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper and brighter sound of the Cloud - 63.5g or the deeper and more robust sound of the MX Red.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, featuring noticeable friction when pressed that may appeal to users who prefer a switch with a more tactile feel. Depending on whether one prefers a bouncy and silky smooth typing experience or a more textured and tactile feel, users can choose between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red switches.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, creating a vibrant typing experience, while the Cherry MX Red switch delivers a deeper and thocky sound with a textured feel, offering a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, users can determine their preferred switch based on whether they prioritize a sharp and bright sound with a smooth and bouncy feel or a deep and rich sound with a more tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound profile and a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Red would be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you're looking to achieve.
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