HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Vintage Citrus cater to different preferences while both offering a clacky sound profile and linear feel. The Cloud - 63.5g, with its heavier actuation force and a unique combination of bouncy and creamy characteristics, is designed for enthusiasts who relish a brighter typing experience and enjoy the satisfying feedback that comes from a heavier touch. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force and a swift 1mm keypress, making it perfect for rapid actions and quick responses during gameplay. Both switches provide a silky smooth feel, but they serve differing priorities: one appeals to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, while the other caters to the need for speed and efficiency in gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it is noteworthy that both models utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice in material is significant, as nylon is a well-regarded classic in switch housing, prized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon—particularly its softer texture—allow it to absorb more sound waves compared to harder plastics. This absorption results in a sound that is characteristically duller and rounder, thereby enhancing the auditory experience while typing. As a result, users of both the Cloud - 63.5g and Vintage Citrus can expect a similar acoustic output, underscoring the effective utilization of nylon in achieving a rich typing sound.
Moreover, the relationship between the top and bottom housings in both the Cloud - 63.5g and Vintage Citrus reinforces the shared characteristics stemming from their nylon construction. Each model's design ensures that the qualities specific to the bottom housing predominantly influence the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a crucial role upon key release, shaping the sound that emanates as a key is lifted. Because both the Cloud and Vintage Citrus use nylon consistently across their housings, users will experience similar tactile sensations and acoustics. This consistency in material choice strengthens the argument for nylon as a versatile and effective material for crafting switches that excel in both sound and feel.
In essence, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Vintage Citrus share a common foundation in their nylon housing materials, which subsequently yields similar results in sound profile and overall typing experience. Since both models rely on the same material across the top and bottom housings, the typing results are harmonized. Users can, therefore, anticipate a cohesive and satisfying typing feel, blending softness with sound absorption to produce the desired deeper and fuller auditory characteristics. Thus, for enthusiasts and typists alike, both options provide appealing and consistent auditory and tactile experiences—a testament to the enduring efficacy of nylon in switch design.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Cloud switch requires an actuation force of 56 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is lighter with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, deeming it medium-light. This difference in weight means that users who prefer a softer key press for longer typing sessions may find the Vintage Citrus switch more comfortable. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience will likely favor the heavier Cloud switch. Overall, while both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, the Cloud switch is the heavier option, emphasizing a firmer resistance, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the lighter choice, allowing for easier keystrokes and potentially reduced fatigue during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cloud - 63.5g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Vintage Citrus is shorter at 3.0 mm. This means that if you choose the Vintage Citrus, you’ll experience a quicker and more responsive keystroke due to its shallower travel, which is particularly favored by gamers looking for faster response times. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper feel with its longer 3.9 mm travel, catering to those who may prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus might be the better choice, while the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more traditional 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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 delivers a distinctly clacky profile, producing a sharp and bright auditory response with each keystroke. This crisp sound can be described as high-pitched, making it ideal for those who prefer a snappy and percussive typing experience. While the sound quality of the Vintage Citrus switch is not explicitly detailed, it is also noted to have a bright, clacky sound. Thus, users can expect similar auditory results from both switches, albeit the overall sound experience may vary slightly depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a notably bouncy and creamy tactile experience. The bouncy nature gives a lively response, making each keystroke feel elastic and engaging, while the creamy aspect adds a silky smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The Vintage Citrus switch, designed for rapid inputs, does not have its feel explicitly described, leaving some uncertainty. However, given its intended purpose for gamers, one could expect it to offer a notable smoothness suited for quick key presses, potentially aligning with the overall smooth experience that the Cloud switch provides.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Vintage Citrus linear switch present bright, clacky sound profiles, making them appealing for those who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback during typing. The Cloud switch excels in providing a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Vintage Citrus, geared towards speed, hints at a potentially smooth push feel. With both switches catering to different preferences—particularly between gaming and typing enthusiasm—users can expect a satisfying tactile and auditory experience overall, though the specifics of the Vintage Citrus switch remain somewhat unknown in comparison.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and seek an engaging, clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g is your best bet. This switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel that delights those who relish a tactile response, making it perfect for both typing and general gaming where a bit of feedback can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you are primarily focused on gaming and require a switch that allows for rapid inputs, the Vintage Citrus, with its lighter 53 grams bottom-out force and an extremely low actuation point, would be the ideal choice. This switch's unique ability to register keystrokes early, combined with a still clacky sound profile, ensures you won't miss a beat in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a robust typing experience or swift, responsive gaming performance.
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