HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Yoel. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Yoel, also a linear switch, offers a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is satisfying and pronounced. While both switches offer creamy and high-pitched characteristics, they vary in terms of bounciness and resonance. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Yoel differ in terms of the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. On the other hand, the Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound that is clear and resonant. The difference in materials leads to contrasting sound profiles, with the nylon housing providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate housing's higher-pitched and crisper sound.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is the bottom housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g uses nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is relatively more muted. In contrast, the Yoel utilizes POM for the bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. The difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile of each switch, with the nylon bottom housing providing a duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing's more muted qualities.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing showcase how different materials can influence sound quality. However, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in the sound when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing the key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Cloud has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Yoel switch, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cloud switch. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with different options based on their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Yoel the shorter option and the Cloud - 63.5g the longer one. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience. Gamers who value quick response times may prefer the Yoel with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress might opt for the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on the desired typing feel and response.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer a bright and clacky typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g is characterized by a sharp and high-pitched sound that resonates with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch also delivers a bright and clacky profile with a pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point, creating a delectably chewy sound sensation that envelops the fingertips. With both switches offering similar qualities in terms of sound, users can expect to get comparable results in terms of the auditory feedback they provide, ultimately coming down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering a bouncy and creamy feedback that enhances the overall tactile sensation. Users can expect a spring-like rebound and a buttery sensation as they glide their fingers across the keys with ease, making each keystroke effortless and satisfying. Similarly, the Yoel switch provides a smooth and polished typing experience, with creamy and silky attributes that minimize resistance and promote smooth key travel. With both switches offering creamy and silky sensations, users can anticipate a refined and luxurious feel when typing on either switch, ensuring a pleasurable tactile experience overall.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer bright, clacky sound profiles and creamy, silky typing experiences. While the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a bouncy and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel, the Yoel switch delivers a chewy and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound preferences and tactile feedback, as both switches provide excellent qualities that cater to enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound with a marbly and resonant feel that is creamy, polished, and silky smooth, then the Yoel switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your personal typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
