KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Cloud - 50g offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The KTT Ash Gray is a tactile switch that provides a substantial yet unobtrusive feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate a light touch paired with a crisp actuation. Its balanced profile ensures a pleasurable typing experience without overwhelming the user, characterized by descriptors such as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch that delights enthusiasts with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth actuation, perfect for those who favor a vibrant and auditory typing experience. While the Ash Gray excels in offering tactile satisfaction, the Cloud - 50g caters to those who prioritize smoothness and sound. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Cloud - 50g, it is important to note their differing compositions, particularly in the top housings. The Ash Gray employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity and sharpness. The polycarbonate top housing not only contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile but also allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller audio experience. This variance in housing material distinctly influences the overall auditory experience offered by each switch, particularly from the top housing.
On the other hand, both the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Cloud - 50g utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As both switches share this material type, they will yield similar sound characteristics at the bottom end when pressed. Since nylon tends to absorb sound, the bottom housing in both switches will contribute to producing deeper tones and a fuller sound profile, regardless of the differences in their top housings. This consistency in material for the bottom housing fosters comparable bottom-out sound and feel, allowing for a notable level of similarity despite the contrasting auditory qualities regarded at the top of the switches.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Cloud - 50g differ in their top housing materials, with polycarbonate and nylon creating distinct sound profiles, the use of nylon for both switches’ bottom housings provides a common ground. The unique interplay of materials within each switch means that although users may experience different tonal qualities when the key is released, the bottom-end consistency in sound is a unifying factor. Therefore, those looking for a harmonious typing experience will appreciate that while the top sounds may diverge, the deep and full auditory profile at the bottom remains reliably consistent across both models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Cloud switch requires a bit more force to initiate a keystroke, it does not require as much force to bottom out as the Ash Gray switch. Because of these differences, the Ash Gray switch is generally lighter overall due to its lower actuation force combined with a higher bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Cloud switch offers a more substantial feel due to its heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Overall, if you value a lighter switch for comfort, the KTT Ash Gray may be the better choice, while the HMX Cloud could be preferred for a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, it's evident that they differ in their measurements. The Ash Gray switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cloud - 50g features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the KTT Ash Gray the shorter option. If you're seeking faster response times typically favored by gamers, the Ash Gray's shorter distance may suit your needs well. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced and hearty feel for users who prefer deeper key presses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g for $2.99.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch presents a neutral profile that strikes a balance, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. Its moderate actuation force paired with a subdued sound level allows users to engage in their typing tasks without excessive noise, making it a great choice for both home and work settings. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch boasts a clacky sound profile, appealing especially to enthusiasts who prefer a brighter and more sonorous typing experience. While it promises an engaging auditory feedback, the actual sound will also depend on other factors like board material and keycap choice, which can further accentuate or dampen the switch's unique characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch excels with its easy-to-press design and mild tactile feedback, allowing for an effortlessly comfortable typing experience. The gentle resistance during key presses reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it a suitable option for those who spend hours at their keyboard. Its mild nature provides an approachable feel that won’t intimidate new users while still catering to the preferences of seasoned typists. On the other hand, details about the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch's feel are currently unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding how it might compare with the Ash Gray's user-friendly qualities.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a balanced auditory and tactile experience, making it ideal for a wide variety of typists. It combines a light touch and substantial yet unobtrusive tactile feedback with a pleasant neutral sound profile, creating a well-rounded switch for everyday use. The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, while providing an exciting clacky sound profile, needs further exploration to fully assess its tactile characteristics. As such, if you're considering these switches, you can expect distinct auditory experiences, but tactile sensations may vary based on the essential details yet to be revealed about the HMX Cloud switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate tactile feedback but want something that isn’t overwhelming, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams provides a satisfying yet gentle typing experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions at both work and home without inducing finger fatigue. The neutral sound profile also means you can use it in various settings without drawing too much attention. Conversely, if you enjoy a lighter touch and a more clacky experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is tailored for you. With an actuation force of 50 grams, it offers a smooth feel that many enthusiasts appreciate, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing. If sound and tactile prominence are important to you, the Cloud switch will enhance your overall typing experience thanks to its lively acoustics. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment where you'll be using the keyboard, ensuring you find the right balance between feedback, comfort, and sound.
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