HMX Cloud Review
Introduction
What’s up, y’all. Today, we’re diving into the HMX Cloud switches, a linear offering from the relatively new but rapidly rising manufacturer, HMX. With Uni Keys at the helm, these switches are factory-lubed and come packed with upgraded materials that promise smoothness, consistency, and performance. The question is, can the Cloud live up to the hype? Let’s get into it.
Design & Features
The HMX Cloud switch brings a clean design paired with thoughtfully selected materials:
- Stem: LY material for smooth, consistent actuation.
- Top Housing: PA12 nylon, known for its softer, quieter characteristics.
- Bottom Housing: PA2.0 nylon, which adds just the right amount of snappiness to the sound.
- Spring: 22mm single-stage spring for that perfect bounce-back.
These switches are pre-lubed from the factory, saving you the hassle of lubing and making them an excellent plug-and-play option. They also feature a total travel distance of 3.9mm (around 3.7mm in real-world use) and a pre-travel of 2.0mm, ensuring a balanced typing experience.
Performance
I threw these switches into my Rhythm 80, and they didn’t disappoint. The 42g operating force and 50g bottom-out force strike a great balance, making them light enough for extended typing sessions while avoiding accidental keypresses during gaming. I’ve recently been enjoying super light 30g switches because I’ve been typing a lot, so it was nice *switch-*up going back to a more balanced 42g weight.
Sound & Feel
If you’re into crisp, high-pitched clacks, you’ll love the HMX Cloud. The PA2.0 bottom housing adds a satisfying snappiness to the bottom-out, while the LY stem ensures a full-bodied sound profile. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but the clacks are pretty much at the top-end of the spectrum, even for a manufacturer like HMX. It’s absolutely perfect for the die-hard high-pitch enjoyer, but for those who want thocks or a deeper marbley sound, a different switch might suit your tastes better.
Smoothness really is the name of the game here, and the HMX Cloud delivers in spades. The LY stem glides effortlessly within the PA housings, offering a buttery typing experience right out of the box. As usual, HMX delivers with excellent stock performance and virtually no wobble. Add to that the well-tuned spring, and you’ve got a switch that’s snappy, consistent, and just plain fun to use.
TL;DR
| Type | Linear |
|---|---|
| Operating Force | 42 ± 5g |
| Bottom-Out Force | 50 ± 5g |
| Pre-Travel | 2.0mm |
| Travel Distance | 3.7 ± 0.3mm |
| Sound Profile | Crisp, high-pitched clack |
| Price | $0.42 per switch |
Final Thoughts
The HMX Cloud is a fantastic addition to any mechanical keyboard enthusiast’s collection. It’s smooth, snappy, and offers a satisfying sound profile that’s hard to beat—especially at this price point. Whether you’re building your first board or upgrading an old favorite, these switches deliver on all fronts. Thanks for reading y’all, and at the time of publishing, the clouds are actually on sale so get ‘em quick!
Get the Cloud here:
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