HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud and the HMX Silent Sakura offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud switch, with a heavier actuation force of 63.5g, is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate a clacky sound profile and a bright, immersive typing experience. Its bouncy and silky smooth feel makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback while they type. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch caters to light typists seeking a serene environment, featuring a significantly lighter bottom-out force of 43g and a whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of raindrops. This switch allows users to type comfortably without the intrusive sound of key presses, making it ideal for late-night work or shared spaces. While both switches boast a linear design that ensures smooth actuation without tactile bumps, their sound profiles and actuation forces cater to very different typing experiences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, we see both similarities and differences that influence their overall sound profile and typing experience. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material allows for a relatively softer touch, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory experience. As a result, users can expect to achieve similar typing acoustics from the top housing of both switches, where the nylon contributes to an enveloping and less harsh sound when keys are released.
However, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g incorporates a nylon bottom housing, maintaining a uniformity with its top counterpart that reinforces the warm sound characteristics of the switch. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference can create distinct auditory sensations during typing; while the nylon allows for a smooth and rounded bottom-out feel, the polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound generated upon key presses. Therefore, the HMX Cloud's nylon bottom contributes to a cohesive sound experience, while the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom sharpens the overall sound profile.
Ultimately, the contrasting bottom housing materials mean that users may experience varying tactile and auditory feedback between the two switches. While both offer a satisfying typing experience due to their nylon tops, the Cloud's consistent use of nylon throughout offers a more subdued sound, ideal for a quiet environment. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, with its combination of nylon and polycarbonate, appeals to those who appreciate clarity and crispness in their typing. Thus, while the similarity in the top housings may yield comparable results in terms of sound reduction, the unique bottom housing materials create distinct personality traits for each switch that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy and suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. This comparison highlights that the Cloud switch is heavier overall compared to the Silent Sakura, making it preferable for individuals who desire a firmer feel, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use during prolonged activity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the HMX Cloud offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its greater travel distance, can provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth; if you prioritize a quicker actuation, the Cloud is the way to go, while the Silent Sakura may be better suited for those who value a fuller typing 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a strikingly clacky profile, characterized by its sharp, snappy, and high-pitched tones. This brightness makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback while typing. The percussive nature of these switches means that they can really stand out in a busy environment, making their presence known with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a notably tranquil experience. Although specific sound descriptors for the Silent Sakura aren't provided, the emphasis on its whisper-quiet operation suggests a significantly muted profile akin to soft raindrops, making it ideal for settings where noise sensitivity is a concern. Therefore, while the Cloud switch energizes typing with its vibrant sounds, the Silent Sakura cultivates a serene atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is celebrated for its bouncy and creamy sensations. The bounciness provides a delightful spring-like feedback, which can enhance typing speed and enjoyment, while the creamy aspect ensures an incredibly smooth and buttery experience. The key presses glide effortlessly, making each stroke feel satisfying and comfortable. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g remains unspecified, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its focus on quiet operation, one might anticipate that it aligns with a softer, less resistant feel, catering to typists who prefer a more subdued tactile feedback.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is ideal for enthusiasts who favor a lively and bright typing experience with pronounced auditory feedback and a joyful tactile sensation. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is tailored for users seeking a tranquil, quiet environment, though the specific tactile qualities are unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for sound and feel: pick the Cloud for a stimulating experience or the Silent Sakura for a serene one.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a lively typing experience, the Cloud switch is the way to go. Its heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and clacky sound profile provide a bright and responsive typing experience, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback and a bit of bounce in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more serene typing experience, the Silent Sakura switch will suit you perfectly. At just 43 grams, it's ideal for light typists who seek a smooth, unobtrusive experience without disturbing those around them. The whisper-quiet operation combined with its softer actuation force makes it perfect for work environments or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, consider how you type, your environment, and what elements of sound and feel are most important to you when making your final decision.
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