HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh Sage offer unique typing experiences for different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that provides a bouncy and clacky typing experience with its heavier weight, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience with a distinct clickiness that adds a crunchy feel to each keystroke. While the Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to those looking for a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Sage is perfect for individuals seeking a sharp and clicky feel while typing. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh Sage, it is evident that the top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g is made of nylon, while the Sage utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the Sage's top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch in unique ways.
Looking at the bottom housing of the two switches, we see that both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh Sage use nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature and sound absorption capabilities. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share this common housing material for the bottom, each switch's unique top housing material will still influence the overall sound profile and typing experience.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on a switch, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh Sage, the overall typing experience will vary due to the unique properties of nylon and polycarbonate in each switch's design. Ultimately, users can expect distinct sound profiles and tactile responses based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has an actuation force that is unspecified and a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the exact actuation force for the Sage switch is not provided, it is clear that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes. In terms of weight, the Cloud - 63.5g is lighter than the Sage switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for longer durations. However, for those who prefer a more robust and substantial typing feel, the Sage switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance, making them ideal for users who prioritize fast response times and quick key presses. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Cloud - 63.5g providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 typing experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch provides a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, catering to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation on each keystroke. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, providing pronounced feedback and a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. The weight of both switches is noted to be heavy, contributing to a robust typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch and the Kailh Sage switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile with silky smooth keypresses, while the Sage switch delivers a distinctive clicky sound and an invigorating tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to enthusiasts looking for specific characteristics in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky sound with a heavier weight and sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Sage switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
