HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to the tactile experience and sound profile that best suits your typing style. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is a linear switch characterized by its clacky sound and bouncy feel, specifically designed for enthusiasts who crave a brighter, more vibrant typing sensation. With a smooth actuation and a heavier weight, this switch offers a more deliberate typing experience that many find appealing for gaming and fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor presents a tactile approach, delivering a thuddy and punchy sound that injects personality into your keystrokes. Its pronounced tactility provides satisfying feedback without being overly aggressive, making it a great option for those who appreciate distinct actuation without sacrificing comfort. While the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes fluidity and brightness, the Viola Tricolor focuses on balance and tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor employ distinctly different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Contrarily, the Viola Tricolor is constructed with polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates sharper, higher-pitched tones, leading to a crisper audio experience. This fundamental difference in material selection underscores how the type of plastic can alter the auditory feedback of the switches, affecting typing experience based on users’ preferences for sound quality.
In contrast, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared element ensures that both switches deliver a similarly rich sound profile from the bottom housing, as nylon's softer nature tends to produce a duller and more rounded sound when keys are pressed down. This common characteristic means that regardless of the top housing material, the switches will provide a comparable experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. This similarity allows users to appreciate some level of acoustic consistency, combining the softer sound signature from the nylon bottom with the varying tonal qualities introduced by the different top housing materials.
Ultimately, the distinct combinations of materials used in these switches facilitate a diverse range of typing experiences, demonstrating how both the top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall acoustic profile. With the HMX Cloud - 63.5g providing softer, warmer tones due to its nylon top and bottom, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor delivering a sharper, more resonant experience from its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users have the opportunity to choose a switch that best aligns with their sound preference. Whether a user favors the deep tones of nylon or the bright clarity of polycarbonate, the differences in the top housing, paired with the consistency of the nylon bottom, allow for both unique and familiar characteristics in each typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, a notable distinction arises in their actuation forces. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams, requiring a moderate effort to trigger a keystroke, while the Viola switch has an unknown actuation force, meaning its exact resistance to actuation is unspecified. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying them as medium-heavy in terms of typing feel. Consequently, the Cloud switch is the lighter option when considering the actuation force, which may be more suitable for users looking for a switch that facilitates prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, users who prefer a heavier feel might lean towards the Viola Tricolor, although its precise actuation force is undetermined. Overall, if you're after a balance of comfort and typing experience, the HMX Cloud may serve better for extended use, while the Haimu Viola could offer a different tactile engagement without clear metrics on its actuation weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Viola Tricolor the shorter switch by a mere 0.1 mm. If you're seeking a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor may be advantageous, particularly for gamers who benefit from quicker key actuation. Conversely, the HMX Cloud, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying bottom-out experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize quicker responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 delivers a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. This sharp and snappy sound produces a crisp, bright profile, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging, particularly suited for those who prefer a more pronounced typing noise. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch emits a deeper, bassy sound characterized by a low-pitched thud when pressed. Its thuddy notes provide a rich depth to the typing experience, which can be satisfying for users who appreciate a more mellow auditory feedback. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the choice will ultimately depend on whether you lean towards the lively clack of the Cloud or the bass-heavy resonance of the Viola.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Its heavier actuation makes each key press feel lively, combined with a smooth motion that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This combination creates a spring-like feedback that can invigorate your typing sessions. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a medium tactile sensation that is not overly pronounced yet delivers noticeable feedback. The invigorating nature of this switch creates a snappy and reactive feel, giving you a sense of connection with each keystroke without being overwhelming. Thus, while the Cloud switch offers smoothness and bounce, the Viola provides a delightful tactile response for a different typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud excels in delivering a bright, clacky sound paired with a smooth, bouncy feel, making it ideal for typists who enjoy lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the Viola offers a satisfying thuddy sound with pronounced tactility that keeps the experience invigorating without being excessive. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will come down to whether you prioritize sound or feel, as both have remarkable qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g would be an excellent fit, especially if you enjoy a smooth and bouncy typing sensation that provides an exhilarating experience as you type. This switch is particularly well-suited for gaming or enthusiastic typing, where the auditory feedback can enhance the excitement of your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more bassy and thuddy typing experience, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be the better choice. This switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance—providing enough sensation without overwhelming you with too much tactility. It's well-suited for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel while still desiring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for extended typing sessions or casual use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value in your keyboard experience, whether it's the exhilarating sound and smoothness of a linear switch or the engaging tactility and warmth of a tactile one.
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