HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch stand out with their unique features. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright and bouncy typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is known for its smooth actuation and poppy tactility, offering a more gentle and balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Each switch caters to different preferences in typing feel and sound, appealing to enthusiasts seeking specific qualities in their keyboards. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Jerrzi Violet switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Violet switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and typing experience of the switch.
Despite their differences, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Jerrzi Violet switches feature nylon bottom housings, which emphasize the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon's softer plastic composition. This shared component in the housing materials of the switches results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out a key. However, the variation in the top housing material between the two switches - nylon for the Cloud and polycarbonate for the Violet - leads to distinct sound profiles when releasing a key. The differences in top housing material highlight the importance of material composition in determining the overall acoustics of a mechanical switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Jerrzi Violet switches showcase the impact of material composition on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deep and full sound profile, the variation in the top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Cloud's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the role of housing materials in switch design is crucial for users seeking a specific typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch differ in their weight requirements. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Violet's 45 grams, making it the heavier of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke may lean towards the Violet switch for its lower actuation force, allowing for easier typing for longer periods. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the Violet has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the 3.9 mm travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g. This means that the Violet switch requires slightly less distance to actuate compared to the Cloud switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cloud switch being a bit on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the Violet switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cloud switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in keyboard switches.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing sharp and percussive sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a more neutral sound signature, suitable for various typing environments. Depending on the user's preference, the Cloud switch will result in a louder and brighter typing sound, while the Violet switch will offer a more balanced and gentle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, with a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery feel. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a stepped feel, resembling a two-stage tactile response with mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Depending on the user's preference, the Cloud switch will result in a livelier and more elastic typing experience, while the Violet switch will offer a more structured and controlled tactile feedback.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users who prefer a bright and clacky typing sound with a bouncy and creamy feel may opt for the Cloud switch, while those who prefer a more balanced and gentle typing sound with a stepped tactile feel may lean towards the Violet switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, along with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with smooth actuation, poppy tactility, and a neutral sound signature, the Violet switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Analyze how you like your keys to sound and feel before making a decision on which switch is the best fit for you.
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