HMX Cloud vs HMX Xinhai Switch Review | LumeKeebs

Overview

They make look similar, but do they feel and sound similar as well? The HMX Cloud and HMX Xinhai are some of the most popular HMX switches that both have similar white and blue colorways, and both offer a light and heavy spring weights.

Product Details


Name	HMX Cloud	HMX Xinhai
Type	Linear	Linear
Top Housing Material	PA12	PA12
Bottom Housing Material	PA2.0	Modified Nylon
Stem Material	LY	POM
Actuation Force	42g / 56g	37g / 55g
Bottom Out Force	50g / 63.5g	45g / 62.5g
Pre Travel	2.0mm	2.0mm
Total Travel	3.9mm	3.4mm
Factory Lube	Yes	Yes

Material and Construction

Both HMX Cloud and HMX Xinhai are linear switches that come factory lubed. However, their construction materials set them apart. The Cloud is constructed with a PA12 nylon top housing, a PA-2 nylon bottom housing, and an LY stem. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai uses a PA12 top housing, a Modified Nylon bottom housing, and a POM stem. These differences in materials contribute to their unique sound and feel.

Operating Force and Typing Feel

The HMX Cloud has an operating force of 42g or 56g and a bottom out force of 50g or 63.5g, while the HMX Xinhai has an operating force of 37g or 55g and a bottom out force of 45g or 62.5g.

The HMX Cloud has a pre-travel distance of 2.0mm and a total travel distance of 3.9mm while the HMX Xinhai has a pre-travel distance of 2.0mm and a total travel distance of 3.4mm. Their difference in total travel distances is not very noticeable, but for typists who prefer a more responsive switch and a more sudden bottom out, then the HMX Xinhai would be the way to go. And for typists who prefer a typing experience closer to a traditional full travel switch, the HMX Cloud would be the way to go.

Both switches are known for their smoothness right out of the box, with very little stem wobble. Both switches are very smooth in stock form and improve very slightly with hand lubing and filming.

Sound Profile

The HMX Cloud and the HMX Xinhai both have a bright and bold sound signature that is clean and clacky. However, the HMX Xinhai has a clackier and higher-pitched tone compared to the HMX Cloud.

The HMX Cloud and the HMX Xinhai both have a loud and bright volume. Between the two, the HMX Xinhai has a slightly louder and shaper volume, most likely due to its shorter travel distance and more sudden bottom out than the HMX Cloud. Neither of them are obnoxiously loud, but given that they have long pole stems, and that they are both HMX manufactured switches, you can expect them to have a noticeable click clack volume.

Both the HMX Cloud and HMX Xinhai have sound profiles that make them ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a clean and clacky typing experience.

Sound test of the HMX Cloud:

Sound test of the HMX Xinhai:

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the HMX Cloud and HMX Xinhai ultimately comes down to personal preference. The HMX Xinhai has a slightly heavier actuation force and sounds slightly clackier and higher pitched compared to the HMX Cloud. The HMX Xinhai feels slightly more responsive because of its shorter travel distance.

Whether you go for the HMX Cloud or the HMX Xinhai, you’re quality switch for a budget price. These switches are some of the most popular switches that HMX has to offer, making them worthy additions to any mechanical keyboard enthusiast’s collection.

Comparisons to Other Linear Switches

HMX Cloud vs HMX Cheese

The HMX Cloud and the HMX Cheese are both made out of a PA12 top housing material, a PA2 bottom housing material, and a LY stem.
The HMX Cheese has an actuation force of 43g and a bottom out force of 46g, while the HMX Cloud has an actuation force of 42g and a bottom out force of 50g.
Both the HMX Cloud and the HMX Cheese have a pre travel distance of 2.0mm. The HMX Cloud has a total travel distance of 3.9mm and the HMX Cheese has a total travel distance of 3.5mm.
The HMX Cloud and the HMX Cheese are composed of the same materials for their housing and stem. The difference in sound and/or volume could be due to the differences in spring weight, stem pole length, or even possibly the factory lube application.

HMX Xinhai vs HMX Sunset Gleam

HMX Xinhai is made of a PA12 top housing material, a modified nylon bottom housing material, and a POM stem material. The HMX Sunset Gleam is made of a PC top housing material, a modified PA66 material, and a LY stem material.
The HMX Xinhai has an actuation force of 37g/55g and a bottom out force of 45g/62.5g. While the HMX Sunset Gleam has an actuation force of 42g and a bottom out force of 48g.
The HMX Xinhai has a pre travel distance of 2.0mm and a total travel distance of 3.4mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam has a pre travel distance of 1.9mm and a total travel distance of 3.5mm.
HMX Xinhai and HMX Sunset Gleam are some of the HMX switches known for being clacky. They both have a loud and bright sound signature that is on the high-pitched ranged even for HMX switches.

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HMX Cloud vs HMX Xinhai | Linear Switch Review