HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, offering a textured and resonant feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched', the NovelKeys Cream is described as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you decide on the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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 housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches both offer unique sound profiles to enhance the typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream has a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. While both housing materials aim to enhance the sound of typing, they achieve slightly different results in terms of depth and richness.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cloud - 63.5g and the NovelKeys Cream switches both utilize nylon and POM materials respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream further enhances the unique sound profile of the switch, adding to the overall typing experience. Both materials are chosen for their ability to absorb sound and create a rounder tone, providing users with a more satisfying typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches, it is clear that they each bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the nylon and POM materials used in these switches offer similar results in terms of sound absorption and depth, the slight variations in the material properties contribute to a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we can see some differences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the Cloud - 63.5g slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the NovelKeys Cream. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter initial press, while the NovelKeys Cream offers a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, but depending on personal preference, one may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the NovelKeys Cream for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Cloud for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the NovelKeys Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 Cream 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a deeper, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Cloud switch. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the brighter and snappier sound of the Cloud switch or the deeper and more immersive sound of the Cream switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a silky smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing sensation. The Cream switch offers a seamless, uniform keystroke experience with a slight texture that some users may prefer, along with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. If you enjoy a more elastic and creamy typing experience, the Cloud switch might be the better choice for you.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a brighter, clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Cloud switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, resonant sound and a buttery, invigorating feel with a slight texture, the Cream switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality linear typing experience, so you can expect similar levels of performance and satisfaction with either one.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, as well as a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch would best suit your needs.
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