HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Penguin mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience with its clacky sound profile and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches cater to individuals working in office environments where noise reduction is essential, offering a quiet and satisfying tactile feedback with each press. With its rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Akko Penguin strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for users of both switches. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic material helps to dampen the sound, resulting in a quieter and more rounded sound compared to harder plastics. This means that whether you are using the Cloud - 63.5g or the Penguin, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their housing, the difference arises in the design and structure of each switch's housing. The way the top and bottom housing interact with each other can affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Cloud - 63.5g, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom, impacting the sound when pressing down on a key versus when releasing it. Conversely, the Penguin's housing design may offer a different typing experience based on how the top and bottom interact. This subtle design variation could result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko Penguin may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience desired. Both switches offer a similar deep and fuller sound profile due to their use of nylon housing material. Whether you prefer the split qualities of the Cloud - 63.5g or the housing design of the Penguin, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a quieter and more rounded sound thanks to the nylon material used in their construction. Ultimately, users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose, making either a solid option for those looking for a premium typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Penguin requires 60 grams. This makes the Penguin slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Penguin offers a medium typing experience, suitable for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with lighter weight being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier weight for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer it, while the Akko Penguin provides a shorter travel distance for faster responsiveness.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 offers a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and bright, providing a percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches produce a muted, neutral sound that is softer and quieter, making them suitable for office environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switches offer a more subtle and gentle sound profile compared to the vibrant clack of the Cloud - 63.5g.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a bouncy, creamy typing experience that is spring-like and smooth, offering a lively and buttery sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switches offer a polished, mild feel that is smooth and refined, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Penguin switches are described as feathery and subtle, offering a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Akko Penguin switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a bright and clacky typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches prioritize noise minimization and offer a quiet, polished typing experience with feathery and subtle characteristics, making them well-suited for office environments or users looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with medium-heavy actuation force, the Cloud - 63.5g is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment with a rounded tactile bump and medium actuation force, the Akko Penguin switch is the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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