HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two distinct options for your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 provides a gummy and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel. If you prefer a heavier and clacky switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a smoother and more subdued typing experience, the Gateron North Pole V2 could be the better fit. Let's now delve deeper into the specific attributes of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Gateron North Pole V2 comes with a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic material. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g is more likely to produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron North Pole V2 contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate material in the bottom housing of the North Pole V2 produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the nylon bottom housing likely providing a softer landing compared to the more pronounced impact of the polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly influence the sound and feel of typing. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron North Pole V2 use different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, each material offers unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon housing in the Cloud - 63.5g or the sharper and crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate housing in the North Pole V2, both switches provide distinct auditory feedback based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the selection of a switch will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams, making it marginally lighter in that aspect. However, the bottom out force of the North Pole V2 is higher at 65 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier in that regard. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards a lighter actuation feel and the North Pole V2 providing a more substantial push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. While the difference in distance is minimal, some users may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g for faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the North Pole V2 for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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 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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch produces a subdued sound, giving a more quiet and subtle typing feel. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud - 63.5g being more vibrant and the North Pole V2 being more muted.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is known for feeling gummy and creamy, offering a chewy and buttery typing sensation. Both switches have their own distinct tactile feedback, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a spring-like rebound and the North Pole V2 providing a gummy bottoming-out experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Gateron North Pole V2 switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth typing feel, while the North Pole V2 offers a deep and muted sound with a chewy and gummy typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the vibrant experience of the Cloud - 63.5g switch or the more subdued feel of the North Pole V2 switch to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued and gummy sound profile with a satisfying chewy and bouncy typing feel, then the North Pole V2 is the switch for you. Both switches offer a creamy sensation, but the North Pole V2 provides a unique gummy feel that sets it apart. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your needs for a delightful typing experience.
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