HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat stand out as two impressive linear options, each offering unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored by enthusiasts for its heavier actuation force of 63.5g, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience that is highlighted by a clacky sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback along with a silky smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, making it a great choice for users who prefer a quieter, yet equally satisfying keypress without the clacking sound. Both switches provide their own distinct advantages—whether you lean towards the pronounced feedback of the HMX Cloud or the subtle nuances of the Tomcat—your choice can greatly influence your overall typing experience. 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat, we observe significant differences in the materials used for their top housings. The Cloud - 63.5g employs a nylon top housing characterized by its softer plastic properties, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that introduces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The rigidity of the polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness, making it particularly effective for applications involving RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver an engaging typing experience, the contrasting materials used in their top housings lead to markedly different sound characteristics.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This shared element means that the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon's softer texture is preserved in both switches, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel equally. Since nylon is known to absorb sound and create a duller auditory experience, the bottom housing mitigates any sharpness introduced by the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top. Consequently, even with differing materials in the top housing, the sound and tactile feedback offered by the nylon bottom remains consistent across both models.
In essence, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Bsun Tomcat showcase differing properties with their top housing materials — nylon versus polycarbonate — they converge with the application of nylon in their bottom housings. This similarity ensures that both switches share the soft, rounded sound signature attributed to nylon, yielding a satisfying typing experience that combines the characteristics of each material's respective strengths. This interplay of materials ultimately highlights the nuanced acoustic engineering found in modern keyboard switches, where the distinct attributes of each housing can harmoniously contribute to the overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch requires an actuation force of 56 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Consequently, the HMX Cloud switch is the heavier option overall, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience that offers tactile feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch, being lighter, may provide a more comfortable typing session for extended periods, making it ideal for both office and long gaming use. Users looking for a lighter touch will prefer the Tomcat, while those who favor a stronger push feel will likely gravitate toward the Cloud switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Tomcat switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that users who prefer responsiveness may lean towards the Tomcat switch, as its shorter 3.6 mm distance allows for quicker actuation and faster response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, with its greater travel distance, might appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper keypress experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, the Cloud switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the Tomcat switch.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. The sounds emitted when typing are bright and percussive, making each keystroke distinctly noticeable. This quality caters to enthusiasts who appreciate the clean, crisp feedback that a clackier switch delivers. Meanwhile, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch remains unidentified, suggesting that it may not focus on distinct auditory characteristics that stand out in a bustling typing environment. As such, those seeking a lively sound experience might find the Tomcat lacking in contrast to the more vibrant Cloud switch.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g shines with its bouncy and creamy textures, offering a spring-like rebound and a silky smooth typing experience. This allows users to glide effortlessly across the keys, enhancing the overall tactile satisfaction of each keystroke. The combination of lively feedback and buttery smoothness makes it an attractive choice for enthusiastic typists who enjoy an engaging interaction with their keyboard. The touch and responsiveness of the Tomcat switch remain unspecified, leaving potential users in the dark about the tactile sensations they can expect while typing, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offer unique experiences, albeit in different aspects. The Cloud switch leads with its distinctive sound and luxurious feel, ideal for those who want a more vibrant and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat’s lack of sound and feel descriptors means it may not attract those looking for specific auditory or tactile feedback. Therefore, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g caters well to enthusiasts with its engaging qualities, the Tomcat's characteristics remain a mystery, leaving room for exploration and discovery.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a more tactile experience with a heavier actuation force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is an excellent option with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a clacky sound profile that delights enthusiasts who crave a bright and lively auditory feedback. This switch is ideal if you enjoy the sensation of a bouncy and creamy feel while typing, which can enhance both your productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a super smooth typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat, with its medium-light 54-gram bottom out force, might be the better choice for you. Its resonant sound profile and easy actuation can be particularly appealing for those who type for extended periods or engage in fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, your decision should align with the characteristics that you enjoy most. Whether you're drawn to the lively actuation of the Cloud or the effortless glide of the Tomcat, understanding these nuances will help you choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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