HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Sunset Gleam—both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its heavier actuation force and a distinctively clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a tactile and auditory feedback while typing. Its bouncy and creamy characteristics contribute to a silky smooth feel that elevates the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, showcases an excellent blend of materials for a nuanced top-out and satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube for enhanced performance. While the Cloud - 63.5g is perfect for enthusiasts seeking a brighter and more dynamic typist experience, the Sunset Gleam offers a subtler yet equally rewarding option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more absorbent properties. This results in a sound signature that is more muted, creating a pleasant typing experience that feels warm and robust. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which promotes a crisper and more resonant sound profile. The inherent properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, lead to a sharper auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sound.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, with both the Cloud - 63.5g and Sunset Gleam utilizing nylon. This shared material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Since nylon’s characteristics provide a softer touch and a fuller sound profile, users can expect a similar bottom-out experience when pressing the keys on either model. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that while the top housings produce different sound signatures, the overall tactile experience of pressing each switch remains consistent due to the shared nylon composition.
In essence, while the top housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Sunset Gleam paint a contrasting picture of auditory profiles—one being warmer and more muted, the other sharper and crisper—the bottom housings ensure a common tactile foundation, offering similar results in overall feel. Therefore, one could effectively blend the unique auditory experiences of each switch, allowing users to enjoy the nuances brought by the different top housing materials while still being anchored by the familiar characteristics of nylon in the bottom. This balance enables a versatile typing experience that caters to a range of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 63.5g features a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, making it more suitable for users who prefer a stronger typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam exhibits a lighter touch, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, while the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier choice. This difference in force means that users may achieve varying typing experiences and levels of fatigue depending on which switch they choose, with the heavier Cloud - 63.5g providing a more substantial feel at the cost of potential strain during long use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find distinct differences that can affect user experience. The Cloud switch boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sunset Gleam falls slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the HMX Sunset Gleam the better choice for those seeking quicker responsiveness, as a shorter travel distance can lead to faster key actuation—ideal for gamers and those who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud provides a fuller depth with its longer distance, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a snappier or more substantial keypress 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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that enthusiasts often seek. The sound is described as crisp, bright, and high-pitched, making it ideal for users who prefer a lively acoustic experience while typing. On the other hand, specific sound qualities of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch remain unknown; however, it is noted to provide a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, suggesting a more subdued auditory profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Given this information, while the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a brighter and more pronounced sound, the Sunset Gleam may offer a softer approach to auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with its bouncy and creamy characteristics, providing a spring-like sensation when pressed, allowing for quick rebounds and an overall lively typing experience. The creamy texture adds a buttery smoothness that makes keystrokes feel effortless, resembling a gliding motion across the keyboard. Unfortunately, the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is not specified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, considering the Cloud's distinct tactile properties, one can anticipate a differing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bright and clacky sound profile paired with a bouncy and creamy feel, catering to those who enjoy a lively typing experience. The Sunset Gleam's auditory characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous, yet it promises a satisfying yet subdued sound. Additionally, while the feel of the Sunset Gleam is unspecified, the well-known features of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g highlight a unique and enjoyable typing experience that enthusiasts may appreciate. Ultimately, if you prefer a pronounced sound and a lively feel, the Cloud - 63.5g is a compelling choice; however, if you opt for a more understated auditory experience, the Sunset Gleam may still deliver satisfying results despite lacking specific details.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a brighter and more engaging typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the right fit for you, thanks to its heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams that provides a tactile and bouncy feel, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Its clacky sound profile adds a distinct auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find satisfying, making it well-suited for gaming or typing in an environment where sound is not a concern. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and smoother, the HMX Sunset Gleam might be your go-to switch. With a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, it offers a gentle typing experience that is easy on the fingers, making it great for long typing sessions or if you prefer a more understated acoustic profile. Its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, combined with HMX's renowned factory lubrication, provide a pleasant tactile experience without being overly taxing during extended use. In the end, consider what elements matter most to you—weight, sound, and feel—as you select the switch that aligns best with your unique typing needs.
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