HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Swift are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cloud - 63.5g is best suited for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience with its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bouncy and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and lighter actuation force of 42g, giving it a clacky and feathery feel that is easy to press. Both switches offer a silky smooth typing experience, but the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a brighter sound signature while the Swift offers a deeper sound profile. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
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 extended spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Swift feature nylon top and bottom housings, which are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material. This commonality in housing materials between the two switches suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, while both switches boast nylon housings, the distribution of these materials across the top and bottom of the switches could potentially lead to subtle differences in typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. This division of housing materials may result in slight variations in sound and tactile feedback between the Cloud - 63.5g and the Swift.
In conclusion, the shared use of nylon housing in the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Swift highlights a similarity in the sound profiles produced by these switches. While the distribution of the nylon material across the top and bottom housings may lead to subtle differences in typing experience, users can still expect a deep and full sound when typing on either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound and feel desired in a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g is heavier in both aspects. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Swift offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where endurance is key. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Cloud - 63.5g being heavier and the Swift being lighter, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch is exactly the same at 3.9 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Due to their identical travel distances, users can expect consistent feedback and feel when using either switch. Whether typing on the Cloud - 63.5g or the Swift, the travel distance remains constant, ensuring a reliable and familiar typing experience across both switches.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and percussive, providing a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch also features a clacky sound but with a deeper profile, attributed to its full nylon housings. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing sound, but the Cloud - 63.5g may appeal more to those who prefer a brighter and more vibrant sound, while the Swift offers a deeper and richer sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This switch offers a silky smooth feel that enhances the typing experience. Conversely, the Swift switch is easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering gentle resistance, light actuation force, and spring-like feedback. Both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, but the Cloud - 63.5g might offer a slightly more tactile and lively feel compared to the Swift.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Swift switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bright and clacky typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Swift delivers a deeper sound profile and an easy-to-press, feathery sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing session.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile with a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience, the Swift might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value the most.
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