HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a tactile switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a smooth feel. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is renowned for its maximum tactility, offering a sharp tactility and satisfying clack while typing. If you prefer a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g might be the switch for you, whereas if you seek a snappy and invigorating feel with pronounced tactility, the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be your best choice. 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
67g
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
Proprietary
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) produces a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer deep sound profiles, the Nylon top housing is known for its fuller sound, while the POM top housing is praised for its pleasing and unique characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g mirrors the qualities of the top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is relatively muted. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) also contributes to a deep and pleasing sound profile that is more muted. Both bottom housings offer a consistent sound profile that complements the top housing material, providing a cohesive typing experience for users of both switches. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer a similar sound profile that caters to those looking for a deeper and more muted typing experience.
When considering switches with different top and bottom housing materials, it is important to note how each material affects the overall sound profile and typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences, whether users prefer a fuller, deeper sound profile with the Nylon housing of the Cloud - 63.5g or a more muted, unique sound profile with the POM housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g requires a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the POM T1. However, the POM T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Cloud - 63.5g bottoms out at 63.5 grams. This makes the POM T1 slightly heavier overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the better option, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower). Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cloud switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the POM T1 switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the POM T1 being on the longer end. Gamers may prefer the Cloud switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the POM T1 switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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 percussive typing experience that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch produces a resonant and neutral sound, with a clean and sharp profile that is immersive and suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Cloud - 63.5g catering to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience and the POM T1 (Sunflower) offering a clean and sharp auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy sensation, offering a lively and elastic feedback that gives a rebound when pressed, as well as a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels silky and effortless. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizing a bouncy and creamy feel, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) focusing on a sharp and invigorating tactility.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bright and clacky typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a sharp and clean auditory feedback with a sharp and invigorating tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing, with both options providing unique and satisfying qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with medium-heavy actuation force, the Cloud - 63.5g is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a punchy and highly tactile switch with a sharp feedback sensation, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. We hope this comparison has helped you in making an informed decision on which switch will best suit your needs.
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