HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Roselle both stand out as linear switches with unique characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle offers an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing sensation due to its material blend, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a silky smooth feel, the Roselle delivers an ethereally wispy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Roselle feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Roselle uses POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both housing materials offer a deep sound profile, the nylon of the Cloud - 63.5g absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer sound compared to the POM of the Roselle.
In terms of feel, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g and the POM bottom housing of the Roselle both impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. However, the softer nature of nylon may result in a more cushioned bottom-out feel compared to the POM material. When it comes to the top housing, the nylon of the Cloud - 63.5g and the POM of the Roselle will affect the sound when releasing a key. The rounder sound of the nylon may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the more muted sound of the POM material.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the HC Studio Roselle will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials. If you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound with a softer feel, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted sound profile with a unique sound, the Roselle's POM housing could be the right choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to their overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Roselle's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Roselle's bottom out force is slightly lighter at 52 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Roselle switch offers a lighter typing experience with its medium-light forces, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Roselle has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more solid and deliberate typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright and percussive sound. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a more bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses with a subtle, mellow quality. While the Cloud switch leans towards a crisper and brighter auditory experience, the Roselle switch delivers a smoother and more ethereal sound signature that is characterized by a lower frequency range. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, each switch offers a unique acoustic experience that can enhance the typing sensation.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation while typing. This combination of lively feel and silky smoothness caters to users who enjoy a more dynamic and refined keypress. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, featuring an extremely smooth and effortless travel that minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys. With a more gentle and approachable feel, the Roselle switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wider range of users who appreciate a fluid and easy typing sensation.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and HC Studio Roselle switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud switch excels in providing a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a bright and high-pitched sound profile, the Roselle switch stands out with its smooth and frictionless feel, accompanied by a bassy and low-pitched sound signature. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences, with the Cloud switch aiming for a lively and crisp sensation, while the Roselle switch focuses on a serene and mellow feel. Depending on individual taste and desired typing experience, either switch can enhance the overall enjoyment and performance of a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more ethereal typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your personal typing style and sound and feel preferences when deciding between these two switches to ensure you choose the one that best fits your needs.
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