HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to distinct attributes that enhance their typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch, recognized for its clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force, provides a bright and engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback and a silky smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight all-POM construction that balances affordability with high-quality performance, delivering a thocky sound profile that appeals to users desiring a deeper and more muted auditory sensation. While the Cloud - 63.5g caters to users who thrive on a more lively and energetic typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its exceptional smoothness and value. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one observes a notable distinction in the materials used for their respective top and bottom housings. The Cloud - 63.5g employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its acoustic properties that tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon results in sound absorption, leading to a typically duller and rounder tone during typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM as its housing material, a choice that delivers a uniquely pleasing sound profile. Although the POM housing also leans towards a deeper sound, it is characterized by a more muted quality when compared to the nylon used in the Cloud.
While both switches utilize different materials for their housings, it is interesting to note how these variations affect the overall typing experience. The nylon construction of the Cloud enhances both the bottoming-out sound and feel due to the material's ability to absorb vibrations effectively. Conversely, with the Sea Salt Smoothie, the POM material offers its own appealing acoustic qualities that, while distinct, still align with the deeper sound profile established by the nylon. This means that users of both switches will likely enjoy a satisfying auditory experience; rather than a direct overlap, the sound characteristics of each switch are nuanced by their specific housing materials.
In practice, typing on both switches can yield similar results despite their material differences. Due to the nature of switch dynamics, the performance and feel are influenced by the contributions of both the top and bottom housings. For the Cloud - 63.5g, the nylon top housing emphasizes the sound released when a key is released, while the bottom housing accentuates the sound and feel when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housing, while providing a distinct acoustic experience, allows users to also appreciate a deeper sound as they type. Ultimately, whether one prefers the classic nylon or the modern POM material, both options promise an engaging tactile experience with satisfying sound profiles, albeit through different materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which provides a substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to press, which is beneficial for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving uncertainty about how it feels when fully pressed down. Consequently, while the HMX Cloud is the heavier option with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a lighter touch, potentially appealing to those who prefer less resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preference for typing feel—heavier for a more engaged experience or lighter for comfort during extensive use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see that the HMX Cloud has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Cloud switch the longer option by 0.2 mm. For users who prefer a more traditional feel or a deeper key press, the HMX Cloud may be the better choice, providing a responsive yet moderately deeper experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, albeit at the risk of feeling too abrupt for some. Ultimately, your preference for either switch may hinge on whether you value depth or speed in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 stands out with its clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy sound that offers a crisp and bright auditory experience. This high-pitched quality ensures that each key press is undeniably percussive, appealing to those who prefer a lively sound while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is known for a thocky sound profile, which provides a deeper and more resonant auditory feedback compared to the Cloud switch. While the Sea Salt Smoothie’s explicit sound qualities aren't detailed, it generally signifies a more muted and rich sound compared to the sharper tones of the Cloud switch, making for a more subdued typing atmosphere.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides an exceptional bouncy and creamy typing sensation. This means users can expect a spring-like feedback with each keystroke, allowing for a lively feel that enhances overall typing experience. The creamy texture ensures that the keys glide smoothly under the fingers, giving a luxurious sensation when typing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium weight and construction, is expected to offer a smooth experience, but specific characteristics have not been discussed. As such, while the Sea Salt Smoothie likely shares a degree of smoothness, its unique tactile feedback remains unknown.
In summary, if you're considering either the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, you'll enjoy different auditory experiences that cater to distinct preferences: the bright and clacky tone of the Cloud versus the dampened thocky sound of the Sea Salt. When it comes to feel, the Cloud provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, emphasizing responsiveness and smoothness, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's tactile qualities are less defined, leaving room for exploration. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience and a lively feedback, or a quieter, potentially softer typing environment with the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch will depend on your personal typing preferences and experience. If you prefer a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g could be the perfect fit for you, thanks to its medium-heavy actuation force, clacky sound profile, and bouncy feel that can enhance your overall enjoyment while typing or gaming. It excels in creating a lively environment, making it especially satisfying for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and responsive feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances performance with affordability while delivering premium smoothness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its thocky sound profile, coupled with a creamy feel, would be ideal for someone seeking a quieter operation with a smoother keystroke experience. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the satisfying auditory feedback and tactile springiness of the HMX Cloud or the smoother, more subdued experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie—and let that guide your decision.
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