HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier 63.5g actuation force, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncier feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out with their pastel color options and proprietary material blend that creates a dry, airy typing experience with a weightlessness that defies expectations. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a silky smooth feel and a high-pitched sound, the Durock Sea Glass switches provide a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 Sea Glass both feature a blend of nylon, but with different additional components that offer unique sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top and bottom housing create a deep and full sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, giving a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
While both switches share a nylon base for their housing materials, the additional components in the Sea Glass's housing blend set it apart from the Cloud - 63.5g. The Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a different sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's pure nylon housing. With a brighter sound profile that is still enjoyable, the Sea Glass offers a unique typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a switch with a bit more brightness in its sound.
Overall, the differences in the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Sea Glass result in distinct typing experiences for users. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its pure nylon housing, the Sea Glass offers a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE that leans towards a brighter sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound profiles, users may find one switch more appealing than the other, but both options provide high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier option. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams, slightly higher than the Sea Glass's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloud - 63.5g requiring 63.5 grams and the Sea Glass needing 62 grams. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Sea Glass would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, with the Cloud being slightly longer than the Sea Glass. This difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are more sensitive to keypress feedback, the Cloud switch may feel slightly deeper than the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Cloud offering a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more keypress depth.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds a distinctive touch to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is known for its frictionless and feathery feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with light actuation force, reducing finger strain and fatigue.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch stands out with its captivating pastel colors and frictionless, weightless nature, offering a distinct dryness and airiness in typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with similar results in certain aspects.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness that defies expectations in terms of weightlessness and sound signature, the Sea Glass switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so take into account what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.
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