HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation, providing a bright typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bouncy and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth feel and subdued, buttery characteristics make it a popular choice for those who prefer a more neutral and polished typing experience. 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
62g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear lies in the top housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the different properties of nylon and polycarbonate, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both switches share a nylon bottom housing. This material choice results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound and create a rounder sound. The similarities in bottom housing material indicate that the typing experience and overall sound profile when pressing down on the switches will be consistent between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. It is important to note that while the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different materials for the top housing can also be visually distinctive. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear's top housing allows for the integration of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall look of the switch. In contrast, the opaque nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g may provide a more traditional and understated appearance. Ultimately, while the housing materials of these switches may differ in their sound profiles and visual appeal, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will depend on individual preference for sound and design.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provide different typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear is 62 grams. This makes the Semi-Silent Linear slightly lighter overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g switch with its slightly longer travel distance, while others who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which provides a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and neutral sound, making it whisper-quiet on the top-out and clacky on the bottom-out. If you prefer bright and percussive sounds, the Cloud - 63.5g may be more suitable, while the Semi-Silent Linear is perfect for those looking for a more subtle and office-friendly typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing sensation. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel, catering to those seeking a middle-ground typing experience with added responsiveness. Both switches offer a silky smooth feel, but the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more varied tactile experience with its different characteristics.
Taking all the available information into account, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bright and clacky typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more subdued and office-friendly sound with a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with both options ensuring a smooth typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. Opt for the Cloud - 63.5g if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force for a bright typing experience. This switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing feel for those who appreciate a lively and silky smooth sensation. On the other hand, select the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear if you desire a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a medium bottom out force. This switch offers a mild and snappy typing feel with a subdued and neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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