Kailh Box Navy vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with distinct options catering to different preferences. The Box Navy switch offers a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a smoother and clacky typing experience, ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter feel while typing. 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
60g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both have unique top housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, producing a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the two switches, both the Box Navy and the Cloud - 63.5g use nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite having different top housings, the similarities in their bottom housing materials suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when comparing the Box Navy and the Cloud - 63.5g.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether one prefers a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 90 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g only needs 56 grams to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the better choice, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Box Navy would provide a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. While both switches fall within a range that is considered medium in terms of travel distance, the Box Navy offers a slightly shorter distance for those looking for a faster and more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each individual is looking to achieve.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50.
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 Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, adding brightness and sharpness to each keystroke for a more modern typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Box Navy offering a more nostalgic and heavy typing experience, while the Cloud - 63.5g provides a brighter and snappier sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a strong tactile bump and requiring more force to actuate compared to other switches. This provides a satisfying and intense typing sensation for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The keys have a lively rebound when pressed, making typing feel effortless and seamless.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy and resonant typing experience with a crunchy sound profile, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a brighter and clacky sound with a smoother and bouncier typing feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a nostalgic sound signature and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a brighter typing experience with a smoother feel and lighter actuation force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your choice.
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