HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often grapple with the nuances that distinguish each option. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, recognized for its clacky sound profile, delivers a vibrant typing experience with its bouncy, creamy feel — an excellent choice for those who seek a dynamic feedback in their keystrokes. Its heavier actuation encourages a deliberate typing style, making it perfect for users who appreciate a robust response. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a contrasting experience with its finely-tuned acoustics, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem. This switch brings a soft yet crisp resonance, appealing to those who prefer a touch of sophistication in their tactile engagement while still benefiting from the linear switch's smooth actuation. Both switches showcase their own distinct characteristics and cater to different types of users, making the choice ultimately personal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches share an important design feature in their nylon top and bottom housing materials, which contributes significantly to their overall sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon, a classic material in switch design, known for its softer qualities compared to harder plastics. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing, as the nylon absorbs more sound waves, producing a duller and rounder auditory profile. The consistency in material for both the top and bottom housings across these two switch types leads to a similar acoustic experience, allowing users to expect comparable noise levels whether they are using the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
Additionally, while both switch types boast nylon housings, potential differences in their manufacturing processes or design nuances may slightly alter their tactile feedback. Since the characteristics of the bottom housing are more pronounced in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, subtle changes in design or dimensions could impact responsiveness when the switch is engaged. However, due to the shared material composition of nylon, both switches will still largely elicit a smoother typing experience, maintaining that signature softer sound and feel. Users can appreciate the consistency provided by the nylon, which ensures that even if the feel slightly differs, the auditory response remains aligned.
In terms of performance, the dominance of nylon in both switches means that the overall typing experience for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel. As users press down on either type, they can expect to experience the soft tactile feedback and resonant sound attributed to the nylon construction. The merge of both types’ housing materials into one cohesive form guarantees reliable performance across the board—reinforcing the idea that regardless of any potential design distinctions, the shared nylon foundation remarkably binds the characteristics of both switches, appealing to typists looking for consistency in their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are some nuanced differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Cloud - 63.5g features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, qualifying it as a medium switch. This means the Cloud switch is the heavier option overall, appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Xinhai (Heavy) may be preferable for those seeking a slightly lighter touch, ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. Despite these differences, both switches offer relatively similar actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users looking for a balance between tactile feedback and adequate resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cloud - 63.5g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction means that the Cloud switch provides a more pronounced keypress experience, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy's) shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feedback, though some users might find it too abrupt for their taste. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel feel, with the Cloud switch being the longer option and the Xinhai (Heavy) being the shorter one.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
The sound profile of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched tones, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that many typing enthusiasts cherish. This creates a bright and engaging sound experience, perfect for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, while the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is not specified, it is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing that suggests a softer acoustic profile. The POM stem is known for a crisp resonance that, while potentially quieter, compliments its more sophisticated tonal qualities. Overall, the Cloud - 63.5g will likely offer a more energetic and lively sound than the potentially more subdued Xinhai (Heavy).
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers an enchanting combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. The bounciness provides a spring-like feedback, which some typists find exhilarating, as it gives each keystroke a lively response. The creamy aspect ensures a smooth and buttery typing experience, where fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, enhancing the enjoyment of prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, there are no specific descriptors provided for the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy). Hence, one can only speculate on its tactile feedback, which may differ from the lively and smooth experience of the Cloud - 63.5g.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with its distinct clacky and high-pitched sound paired with a bouncy and creamy feel, making it an ideal choice for those who seek an engaging and enjoyable typing experience. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch, while lacking specific details in sound and feel descriptions, hints at a more understated performance due to its materials, appealing to users who may prefer a subtler but sophisticated option. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing you to select based on your desired keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, your personal preferences and typing style will ultimately guide your decision. If you appreciate a medium-heavy switch that offers a lively, bouncy, and creamy feel, along with a bright clacky sound profile, then the Cloud - 63.5g will likely be your best bet. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy an engaging and somewhat more exuberant typing experience, especially if you plan to use it mainly for typing or gaming where a snappier feedback can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you seek a subtle and sophisticated experience with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Xinhai (Heavy) is ideal for you. This switch provides a crisper sound with softer acoustics, making it a superb option for longer typing sessions or office environments where noise reduction is appreciated. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound and feel matter most to you personally, and let that guide your choice between these two excellent linear switches.
Mentioned in this article
