HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that provides a bouncy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is also a linear switch known for its resonant and clacky notes, along with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. While both switches offer a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is characterized by a creamy feel, whereas the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a silky sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and individual typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. However, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) also uses POM for the top housing, which creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g.
The utilization of different materials for the top housing sets the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) apart in terms of sound profile. While both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon bottom housing, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more muted and unique sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g. This difference in top housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) feature nylon bottom housings, it is the top housing material that sets them apart. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g creates a deep and full sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more unique and muted sound. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch work together to create a distinct typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the lighter option. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it more medium-heavy in comparison to the Strawberry Wine (V2) which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) allows for longer periods of typing due to its lighter weight. Both switches offer different benefits depending on personal preference, with the heavier force of the Cloud - 63.5g being ideal for those who prefer a more robust typing experience, and the lighter force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) catering to those who prioritize extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force in order to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, with the Cloud being slightly longer than the Strawberry Wine. If you prefer a more responsive feel with a slightly longer travel distance, the HMX Cloud could be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of 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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches are described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a bright and percussive typing experience from either switch. The only key difference is that the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch also offers a resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp sound profile for an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, enthusiasts who enjoy a sharp and lively typing sound will find satisfaction in either switch.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for providing a bouncy and creamy typing experience. This means users can expect a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery feel, allowing for a lively and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of keystrokes with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a premium typing feel, with the Cloud offering a bouncier feel and the Strawberry Wine offering a smoother sensation.
In conclusion, whether you choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience. Both switches offer a sharp and clacky sound profile, with the Strawberry Wine (V2) also providing a resonant quality for an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Cloud switch gives a bouncy and creamy typing feel, while the Strawberry Wine switch offers a silky smooth sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feel, but users can rest assured that they will receive a top-tier mechanical keyboard switch experience with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering which switch to choose between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should go for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a smooth feel. On the other hand, opt for the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, resonant and clacky sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel, sound profile, and force required for typing, so choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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