HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are faced with a decision between a linear and tactile typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bright and vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a light tactile option that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and smoothness, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a silky smooth feel, the White Lotus features a removable light column for customizable RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock White Lotus both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing for a premium feel. Both materials aim to enhance the sound produced when typing on the switches, albeit in slightly different ways.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature a nylon material that is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a unique typing experience. The similarities in bottom housing materials suggest that users can expect a similar sound profile and overall feel when pressing down on the keys of both switches.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the two switches offer slightly different characteristics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can impact various aspects of typing, from the initial key press to the release of the key. Ultimately, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Durock White Lotus offer unique housing materials that contribute to a distinct typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are different in terms of weight. The Cloud - 63.5g switch has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it more ideal for extended typing sessions. While both switches offer a medium level of resistance, the Cloud - 63.5g is heavier in comparison to the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g providing a stronger push feel and the White Lotus offering a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its faster response time due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the White Lotus may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Cloud - 63.5g being more vibrant and percussive, while the White Lotus being more balanced and versatile in different settings.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and smooth typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, providing gentle resistance and a light typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a distinct tactile feedback, with the Cloud - 63.5g focusing on a more springy and buttery feel, while the White Lotus prioritizes a gentle and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch caters to enthusiasts seeking a clacky and bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel, while the White Lotus switch appeals to users looking for a delicate tactility and luminous RGB lighting effects. Depending on personal preferences and typing demands, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different needs and tastes, showcasing the diversity and versatility of mechanical keyboard switches in the market.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing sound with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility, light bottom out force, and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch would be your best option. Think about whether you want a punchy and bouncy feel or a gentle and easy-to-press sensation when making your decision. Ultimately, your typing style and preferences will guide you towards the mechanical keyboard switch that suits you best.
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