HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Durock T1, a tactile switch, offer two different typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is preferred by enthusiasts who enjoy a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience, providing a silky smooth feel while typing. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is praised for its comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on the window. The Cloud - 63.5g is best suited for those who enjoy a bouncy and bright typing experience, while the T1 is ideal for users looking for a more neutral and polished feel. 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
The key difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock T1 lies in their composition and the resulting sound profile. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the T1 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound qualities means that the typing experience on these switches will feel distinctly different, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more rounded sound, while the T1 provides a more resonant and clear sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is composed of nylon, which brings similar sound characteristics to both switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing provides a common ground between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock T1, ensuring that the overall typing experience is consistent in terms of sound depth and fullness.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock T1 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Cloud - 63.5g's combination of a nylon top and bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the T1's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more vibrant and resonant typing sound. While the housing materials may differ between these switches, their overall typing experience is still guaranteed to be of high quality, ensuring that users will receive satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch showcase some differences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Durock T1, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock T1 is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's 63.5 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a balance between a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions while still providing a medium-heavy bottom out force for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Durock T1 leans towards a heavier bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique typing experiences depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Durock T1 tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock T1 has a slightly longer travel distance than the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the T1 being on the slightly longer side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, while those who appreciate a deeper press may lean towards the Durock T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various purposes. The choice between the two switches will greatly depend on your preference for sound, as well as the other factors such as your keyboard and keycaps choice.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy sensation, offering a lively and smooth typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In comparison, the Durock T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a more mild tactility with pre-travel and post-travel stages, as well as a prominent but not overwhelming amount of tactility for a sleek typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to your preference for the typing feel you desire.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Durock T1 switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience tailored to different preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a bright sound profile, or a comfortable and polished typing feel with a mellow sound, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Durock T1 tactile switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel experience that you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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