HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are two popular choices, both offering unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response and linear action, perfect for gamers seeking maximum speed with low spring resistance. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the MX Speed Silver offers a textured and low-pitched feel, making it ideal for those prioritizing quick key presses. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon housings. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and feel, users can expect similar results from both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches.
Although both switches share the same nylon housing material, the way in which the top and bottom housings interact with the typing experience might differ slightly. The qualities of the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction can affect the overall typing experience, as the combination of the top and bottom housing materials can result in a unique sound profile and feel for each switch. Users may find subtle differences in the typing experience based on how the housing materials interact with the key press.
Despite the slight differences in how the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches may impact the typing experience, the overall use of nylon as a housing material creates a similar sound profile for both switches. The deep and full sound produced by nylon, along with its ability to absorb sound effectively, ensures that users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Whether it's the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound or the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key, the nylon material in both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver, which has an actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch has a higher force of 63.5 grams, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver bottom out force is unknown. The Cloud - 63.5g switch can be considered heavier, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is lighter, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer different experiences based on the force required for actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their quick response times, especially among gamers. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key press depth 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich tone with each press. Depending on personal preference, users may lean towards the more crisp sound of the Cloud - 63.5g or the satisfying thud of the MX Speed Silver. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, potentially offering a noticeable friction when pressed. Whether you prefer the lively bounce and silky feel of the Cloud - 63.5g or the slight texture of the MX Speed Silver is a matter of personal preference and typing style.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch excels in providing a bright and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch prioritizes rapid response and maximum speed, delivering a thocky sound and potentially textured feel that is favored by gamers aiming for quick and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are an enthusiast looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid response and maximum speed with a low spring resistance, the MX Speed Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize sound profile and feel or speedy responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience.
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