HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Piano both offer unique characteristics to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright typing experience that enthusiasts may appreciate. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', while the Cloud switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Piano both offer unique sound profiles, with the Cloud utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing while the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound absorption properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM blend of the Piano switch is said to provide a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are undisclosed.
While the Cloud - 63.5g features a combination of nylon top and bottom housing materials to influence the sound profile both when pressing down and releasing a key, the Durock Piano uses the same proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing. This means that the qualities brought by the housing material are evenly distributed throughout the switch, affecting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when letting go of a key. Despite the difference in material composition, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials contributing to the overall sound profile.
In terms of similarities, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Piano focus on producing a deep and satisfying sound profile for users. While the specific properties of the nylon and POM blend housing materials may differ, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by creating a fuller and more immersive sound when typing on the switches. Whether one prefers the softness of nylon or the uniqueness of the POM blend, both switches offer a high-quality housing material that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g is the lighter option with an actuation force of 56 grams. The Durock Piano, on the other hand, has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine which is lighter. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Durock Piano. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances for switches, with the Cloud being slightly shorter for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers might prefer the Cloud for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Piano switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Durock Piano switch delivers a deep and bassy sound signature, giving a more rich and creamy sound when typing. Depending on personal preference, the Cloud switch caters to those who enjoy a bright and percussive sound, while the Piano switch offers a smoother and deeper auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery feel to each keystroke. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Cloud switch offering a more bouncy and elastic feedback, and the Piano switch providing a silky and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Durock Piano switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cloud switch excels in providing a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Piano switch delivers a smoother and deeper typing sensation with a creamy and bassy sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the type of sound profile and typing feel that you prefer. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, creamy sound with a gliding push feel and a frictionless or silky typing experience, then the Durock Piano switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing style.
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