HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both linear switches offering unique features. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron offers a polished and creamy typing experience with a frictionless feel, thanks to the removal of a rubber dampener. While both switches have their own strengths, such as brightness and clackiness for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and smoothness and polish for the New North Pole V2, it's important to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine which switch would best suit your preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 comes with a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences for users, with the nylon housing offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the New North Pole V2 utilize different materials to influence the sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a clearer sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to provide users with a unique sound profile based on the bottom housing material used.
In terms of overall composition, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron New North Pole V2 showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Cloud - 63.5g prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon housing, the New North Pole V2 focuses on a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Understanding the role of each housing material in contributing to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed choice based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams, making the Cloud - 63.5g slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams of force, while the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams, making the New North Pole V2 marginally heavier in this regard. In terms of weight, the New North Pole V2 is slightly lighter in actuation force but slightly heavier in bottom out force compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, but the Cloud - 63.5g may feel slightly heavier during actuation, while the New North Pole V2 may feel slightly heavier during bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, the Cloud - 63.5g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel for some users. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, so in terms of key press feel, users can expect similar results from both options. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of response time 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience for enthusiasts looking for a bright sound. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch does not have specific information available about its sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Users can expect a lively sensation when typing on these switches, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
Overall, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch emphasizing a more bouncy and creamy feel, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch focuses on a polished and frictionless typing sensation. While the sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 are unknown, users can expect a seamless glide and smoothness that Gateron switches are known for. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both options provide a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a bright typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a medium bottom out force with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 could be more to your liking. Keep in mind that the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy feel, while the New North Pole V2 provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless sensation. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's essential to consider your typing preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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