HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry stands out for its sharp tactile bump, providing a sharp typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Blueberry switch delivers a snappy and textured sensation. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound during typing. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry uses a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience with their sound properties, they offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound depth and intensity.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a similar deep and full sound profile as the top housing due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch by providing a more muted and deep tone. Both bottom housings aim to enhance the sound experience during typing, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbing quality compared to the POM material.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in material composition, they both contribute to creating a unique and pleasant sound profile during typing. The nylon material in the Cloud - 63.5g produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM material in the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a more muted and pleasing tone. Both switches aim to enhance the sound experience for users, with the difference in housing materials providing varying levels of sound depth and intensity.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g is lighter in terms of actuation force, at 56 grams compared to the Blueberry's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blueberry switch is heavier at 80 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's 63.5 grams. This means that while the Cloud - 63.5g may provide a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Blueberry switch will offer a more substantial feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blueberry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud switch. The 0.1 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the key feels when pressed. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloud switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Blueberry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a lower-pitched and resonant sound, offering a more immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch is bright and crisp, the Blueberry switch is deeper and less "thocky." Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on personal preference, with the Cloud - 63.5g catering to those who prefer a brighter typing sound, and the Blueberry appealing to users looking for a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff feel, creating a responsive and fluid typing experience with noticeable friction for users who prefer a more tactile sensation. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, with the Cloud - 63.5g switch focusing on a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Blueberry switch offers a combination of snappy and textured sensations.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a deeper, lower-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump and a combination of snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff feel, appealing to users looking for a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel preferences in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing sensation you prefer, whether it be bouncy and creamy or snappy and invigorating. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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