HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch best known for its clacky sound profile and heavier weight, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are also linear switches that offer a shorter activation and long pole stem, giving them a snappy and polished typing feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched', the Splash Brothers are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Splash Brothers lies in their top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the contrary, the Splash Brothers utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This disparity in materials leads to a noticeable contrast in the typing experience between the two switches. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a more muffled and rounded sound, the Splash Brothers delivers a clearer and more resonant typing sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they both use nylon material. This shared housing material results in a similar typing experience for both switches, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Splash Brothers absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the top housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer contrasting sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent and familiar typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches, enhancing the typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Splash Brothers, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g has a higher force of 63.5 grams compared to the Splash Brothers' 48 grams. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Splash Brothers offers a lighter typing feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter typing experience of the Splash Brothers for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Cloud - 63.5g for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the travel distance of the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is 3.5 mm. In this case, the Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud switch. The difference between the two may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Cloud switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a creamy sound signature, giving a smooth and buttery typing experience. In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and silky smooth sensation when typing. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and responsive typing experience with a refined finish. Overall, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch focuses on a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a creamy sound and a mix of mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, but both will offer a satisfying experience to keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a mild, snappy, or polished typing feel, then the Splash Brothers switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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