HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two remarkable options stand out: the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Haimu Orange Sea. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is distinguished by its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, catering to enthusiasts who crave a bright and engaging typing experience. Users can expect a silky smooth feel paired with its bouncy, creamy nature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. While the HMX Cloud leans towards a more vibrant auditory experience, the Orange Sea provides a refined and subtle touch, appealing to those who value tranquility in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique needs.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 63.5g Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Haimu Orange Sea, we see clear distinctions between their top housings, while their bottom housings are consistent. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing that is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer, more sound-absorbent nature, which results in a mellow tonal quality that softens the auditory experience. In stark contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a firmer material that contributes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making typing on this switch yield a more resonant and crisp auditory feedback. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a superior choice for RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics in illuminated setups.

Delving further into the bottom housings of both switches, we discover uniformity. Both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Orange Sea utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared characteristic elicits a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is bottomed out. The nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound not only contributes to a smoother and more subtle tactile response but also allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches despite their differing top housing materials. This commonality suggests that, even as the two switches exhibit varying acoustic characteristics through their top materials, the impact of the bottom housing ensures that mechanistic feel during keypresses remains aligned.

In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Haimu Orange Sea distinctly diverge in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their similarities in bottom housing contribute to an overall cohesive experience. The nylon bottoms of both switches promote a deeper auditory experience when keys are bottomed out. Thus, although the top housings yield different sound profiles, the consistency in the bottom housing allows for a unified tactile sensation during use. This interplay demonstrates how each housing material can influence both the sound and feel of a switch while maintaining an essential sensory equilibrium through their shared nylon bases.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud 63.5g linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in terms of weight. The Cloud switch requires an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Orange Sea, while those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, perhaps for a more tactile typing experience, may find the Cloud 63.5g more satisfying. Overall, the Cloud switch is heavier, while the Orange Sea is lighter, ideally catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cloud switch boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Orange Sea the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Cloud switch's longer travel distance provides a deeper feel that may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the Haimu Orange Sea will deliver, whereas the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a more substantial and traditional keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a distinctive clacky profile that typists and gamers often appreciate for its bright, percussive quality. This switch produces a sharp, high-pitched sound that makes it stand out in a crowd, catering to those who prefer a more energetic auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, though specific details regarding its auditory feedback are not provided. This could imply a more subdued experience that some users might find preferable if they seek a quieter typing environment. However, it’s crucial to remember that the overall sound experience will also heavily depend on the keyboard build and keycap material used.

In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g excels with its bouncy and creamy characteristics, offering a lively, spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Users will find the resistance from this heavier switch intriguing, as it not only provides a robust sensation but also allows for smooth glides during typing, making the experience enjoyable and satisfying. Unfortunately, specifics about the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switch remain unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it might differ in tactile response from the Cloud variant.

In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is ideal for those who revel in a lively, bright typing experience combined with a smoother actuation feel. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers a neutral sound profile and comes with an impeccably smooth typing feel, although its exact tactile characteristics remain uncharted. Whatever your preference, analyzing these switches alongside your keyboard build will ensure you find the most suitable option for your typing style and sound preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch should primarily depend on your personal typing style, preferences, and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile that provides a vibrant auditory experience, the Cloud - 63.5g is likely the optimal choice. Its 63.5 grams of bottom-out force offers a bouncy and creamy typing feel, making it great for those who appreciate tactile feedback and audibly striking key presses. On the other hand, if you find a lighter touch more comfortable or simply prefer a quieter atmosphere, the Orange Sea with its 45 grams of bottom-out force will be a better fit. With its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, the Orange Sea allows for an understated, yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of a heavier switch or the gentle touch of a lighter one, both options can elevate your typing experience significantly—it's all about what resonates most with your hands and ears.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 63.5g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more