HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch praised for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility that is pronounced yet not overpowering. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched', the Purple Sakura falls under 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Both switches have their own unique features that cater to different preferences, but, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, we can see that the Cloud uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Purple Sakura opts for polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it more clear and resonant. The differences in sound profiles between the two housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Despite the differing materials used for the top and bottom housing in the two switches, both the Cloud and Purple Sakura benefit from having nylon in their respective bottom housings. Nylon's characteristics of being a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience for users. While the Cloud uses nylon for both top and bottom housings, the Purple Sakura's top housing of polycarbonate creates a distinct contrast in sound profile, with a sharper and crisper tone that complements the softer bottom housing. This combination of materials showcases the versatility and potential for unique sound profiles that can be achieved through thoughtful housing material selection.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is clear that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly alter the sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Purple Sakura offer a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting housing materials that complement each other, manufacturers can achieve a balanced and pleasing typing experience for users, showcasing the importance of material selection in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we see that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Purple Sakura needs 60 grams. This makes the Purple Sakura the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Sakura for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly heavier typing experience, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Cloud has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Purple Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience may opt for the Cloud with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud switch being more crisp and percussive while the Purple Sakura switch offers a more mild and neutral sound signature.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, creating a seamless and gentle typing sensation. Both switches provide a unique tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, with the Cloud switch being more elastic and buttery while the Purple Sakura switch offers a smoother and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Purple Sakura switch offers a more neutral sound and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer a bright and bouncy typing experience or a smooth and responsive feel, both switches offer a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with medium-heavy key presses, the Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery and snappy tactile feedback with a moderate actuation force, the Purple Sakura would suit your typing style better. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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