HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, it's important to consider the key characteristics that differentiate them. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier weighting, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Cloud offers a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the Silent T1 provides a more stepped and muted feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Cloud appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience while the Silent T1 suits those who prioritize a tactile feel with minimal noise. 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
67g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is evident that they both feature a nylon bottom housing. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches equipped with nylon housing. However, while both switches share this common feature, the top housings differ significantly. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which continues to enhance the deeper sound profile, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) boasts a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This contrast in top housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in the overall look of the switch. The transparent nature of polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g may not offer the same level of visual interest, as it lacks the translucency of polycarbonate. However, both switches maintain a classic and timeless look with their nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent aesthetic appeal across the board. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials depends on personal preference and desired sound profile for the user.
While the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their top housing composition, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a pleasant typing sensation. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound characteristics of the switches, with nylon offering a softer and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. Whether one prefers a more muffled typing experience with the Cloud - 63.5g or a clearer and resonant sound with the Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both fall in the medium-heavy range. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Although both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Cloud - 63.5g is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp). This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Cloud - 63.5g, making it ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch. The 0.1 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in terms of key feel and typing experience. For those who prefer quicker response times and a more responsive feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch with its slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more deliberate keypress and a deeper feeling while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, providing users with options depending on their personal preferences.
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp, bright, and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a muted sound, minimizing noise for a quieter typing environment. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Cloud - 63.5g being more vibrant and lively, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more subdued and peaceful typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery keystroke experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a tactile response with two stages, medium tactility, and a refined finish for reduced friction. Both switches offer different tactile feedback, with the Cloud - 63.5g focusing on a lively and smooth feel, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) gives a more nuanced and polished typing experience.
Overall, the Cloud - 63.5g and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is best suited for those who enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is ideal for users who prefer a muted sound, stepped and accented tactile feedback, and a polished typing sensation, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and environment. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a smooth typing feel, the Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a padded bottom-out feel and muted sound for noise-sensitive settings, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing environment.
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