TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a poppy and satisfying typing experience, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. Known for its buttery and mild feel, this switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky and bright typing experience, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a heavier switch. With a bouncy and creamy feel, this switch produces a high-pitched sound profile that is sure to stand out. Each switch offers unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, 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
42g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes with a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. While polycarbonate is translucent and ideal for switches with RGB lighting, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound produced by the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Bluish White and the Cloud - 63.5g utilize nylon as their material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This commonality in housing material between the two switches showcases the importance of the bottom housing in contributing to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Bluish White and the nylon top housing of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g highlight how material composition can significantly impact sound profiles. While polycarbonate creates a sharper and clearer sound, nylon delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing by both switches demonstrates that certain qualities, such as sound absorption and impact on bottom-out sound, remain consistent regardless of the switch model. Depending on personal preferences for sound profiles, individuals may prefer one housing material over the other.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a bit more resistance. The actuation forces between the two switches vary, with the Bluish White being lighter and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g being heavier. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch with a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Despite the minor difference in travel distance, both switches fall within the range of modern switch preferences, which include shorter travel distances for quicker response times. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for increased speed and efficiency. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, while those who prefer a greater sense of depth may opt for switches with longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g 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 - 63.5g 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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that provides a mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch produces a clacky, sharp, and percussive sound that is bright and crisp. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Bluish White providing a more subdued auditory experience compared to the lively and energetic sound of the Cloud - 63.5g. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, gentle, and refined typing sensation that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, with a spring-like feedback and a silky smooth typing experience. The bouncy nature of the Cloud - 63.5g switch adds a lively rebound effect to each keystroke, while the creamy feel ensures effortless and gliding key presses. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and typing experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to a range of preferences. While the Bluish White switch provides a low-pitched and buttery typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and bouncy feel that is bright and lively. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. If you prefer a more subdued and mellow typing experience, the Bluish White switch may be the better choice, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bright and energetic typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a light and satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Bluish White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize tactility and sound profile (Bluish White) or smoothness and sound clarity (HMX Cloud - 63.5g). Make your choice based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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