HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Xinhai stand out as excellent options to consider. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright and tactile typing experience that appeals to keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Xinhai showcases a unique design with a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp sound. While both switches offer bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing experiences, the Xinhai lacks the high-pitched characteristic of the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, so delve deeper into their nuances to determine which one best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The aesthetic difference is also notable, as the Xinhai's clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal not found in the Cloud - 63.5g with its solid nylon top housing.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Xinhai utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience on both switches will have similar acoustics and feel when pressing down on the keys. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when typing on either switch.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Xinhai differ in their sound profiles, the bottom housing material remains the same. This means that the typing experience on both switches will have a similar feel and sound when pressing down on keys. Whether you prefer the warmer, fuller sound of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g or the crisper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Xinhai, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 63.5g is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Xinhai. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Xinhai lighter in feel compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Those who prefer a lighter touch to type for extended periods may find the Xinhai more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the HMX Xinhai linear switch. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying key press feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a more responsive and rapid typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, resulting in a sharp and percussive sound that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch also offers a clacky sound profile but with a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem that provide a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches excel in sound characteristics, catering to different preferences for typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Similarly, the Xinhai switch also provides a bouncy feedback with a lively feel and a creamy sensation when typing. Both switches ensure a comfortable and satisfying typing experience by incorporating these desirable tactile qualities.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Xinhai linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch delivers a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp resonance and the same bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience with their individual characteristics, providing users with a range of options to suit their personal preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter switch with a unique acoustics profile and a crisp, high-pitched resonance, then the Xinhai would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer a bouncy and creamy typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences, and you'll be sure to have a satisfying typing experience.
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