HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the experience can vary significantly depending on your preferences, and two compelling options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both of which are linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is particularly popular among typing enthusiasts for its unique clacky sound profile, delivering a delightful auditory experience along with a silky smooth feel. Its heavier actuation weight of 63.5g contributes to a bouncier, creamy typing dynamics, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging feedback during use. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems, which offer a super smooth performance, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. While the Tomcat switch may present a more resonant sound profile, it does not compromise on the tactile enjoyment that many seek in a linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two lies in your specific typing preferences, whether you lean towards the vibrant and stimulating experience of the HMX Cloud or the smooth, resonant touch offered by the Bsun Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), an intriguing contrast emerges, particularly in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy the aesthetic of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, they are distinguished by the contrasting acoustics offered by their respective top housing materials.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a commonalities as they each feature nylon material. This similarity means that both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Tomcat (Heavy) provide a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom, contributing to a more consistent tactile and auditory experience during key presses. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound well, ensuring that regardless of the differences in the top housing, the bottom-out sound remains similarly muted and rich. Consequently, in terms of bottom housing performance, users can expect comparable acoustics and sensations in both switches, even though the overall sound profiles may diverge when considering the top housing.
This juxtaposition highlights the importance of the housing material in shaping the typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g gives precedence to a warm and soft sound attributed to its nylon top, the sharp clarity of the Tomcat (Heavy)’s polycarbonate top contributes to a crisper experience. Nevertheless, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches exhibit significant parallels due to their shared nylon composition, ensuring that users receive a harmonized bottom-out feel. Ultimately, the contrasting materials employed in the top housings create distinctive sound profiles, while the unified nylon bottom housing fosters a deeper, more resonant foundation for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, both switches maintain a similar range of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly lower actuation force of 55 grams and a marginally higher bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that although the Tomcat switch may provide a slightly lighter touch when actuating a keystroke, it requires a bit more force to bottom out compared to the Cloud switch. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a solid typing experience suitable for users who prefer a stronger feel. Nonetheless, the HMX Cloud switch is marginally heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, making it the choice for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, while the Tomcat may appeal to those looking for slightly lighter actuation.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud switch allows for a deeper press, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience, whereas the Tomcat switch offers a more responsive feel that could appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. Ultimately, for those who prioritize responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its shorter distance may be the better choice, while the HMX Cloud provides a more traditional and hearty depth. Both switches cater to different preferences, ultimately showcasing the varied landscape of mechanical switch design.
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 (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a distinctively clacky sound profile characterized by its sharp, bright, and percussive nature. It produces a high-pitched tone, perfect for those who appreciate a crisper auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, while similarly intended for an enjoyable typing experience, is noted to have a resonant sound profile. Although details on its specific auditory characteristics are not provided, the resonance suggests a potentially fuller or deeper sound compared to the high-pitched clackiness of the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the sound experience can vary greatly depending on the choice of keyboard architecture and keycap material used in conjunction with the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The switches offer elastic feedback, giving users a lively sensation akin to a spring's return, paired with a buttery smoothness that makes each keystroke feel efficient and satisfying. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Tomcat (Heavy) are not specified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it's safe to assume that, as a heavy linear switch, it may offer a more controlled and stable experience that complements its heavier actuation force.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch delivers a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, appealing to enthusiasts who favor a clacky sound with a smooth and bouncy feel. Meanwhile, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch's auditory and tactile sensations remain less defined, its intention as a heavy linear switch positions it as a viable alternative for those seeking a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific preferences, and individuals can expect enjoyable results that align with their typing styles, especially when considering the influence of keyboard construction and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and sound characteristics that you enjoy. If you appreciate a clackier, more high-pitched sound profile that delivers a lively and engaging typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g is likely your best choice. It offers a silky-smooth feel complemented by a bouncy sensation, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that focuses on a resonant sound with an emphasis on smoothness, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be the better option for you. This switch delivers a very smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, which can be particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience with extra feedback or a subtler, smoother sensation during your keystrokes.
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