TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The TTC Bluish White switch stands out for its distinct tactile feedback and a snappy sound profile, making it perfect for typists who crave a satisfying, poppy sensation with each keystroke. Its characteristics are often described as buttery and subtle, providing a nuanced feedback that many find delightful for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a different appeal altogether. This linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force and delivers a clacky sound profile that engages enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. Its silky smooth feel ensures a seamless keystroke without the tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing speed and fluidity in their actions. Each switch caters to diverse preferences and typing styles, whether you lean toward a responsive tactile feel or a sleek, uninterrupted glide. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g switch, it is clear that they utilize different top materials, which leads to distinct auditory experiences. The TTC Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, crisper sound profile. This characteristic advantageously enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting, further elevating the visual and auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g opts for a nylon top housing, a material historically revered for its softer properties that absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate. Consequently, the Cloud - 50g generates a deeper and rounder sound profile due to the nylon's ability to muffle the acoustics produced upon keystroke.
Both switches employ the same material—nylon—for their bottom housing, ensuring a level of consistency in the auditory experience when a key is activated. The nylon material in the bottom housing is instrumental in producing a fuller sound profile, allowing users to experience a pleasantly muffled sound characteristic. This similarity implies that while the top housings lend distinctive qualities to each switch's auditory profile, the bottom nylon housing standardizes the sound produced when the key reaches the bottom, creating a common auditory ground for both switches despite their differing top housings.
In essence, the unique engaging and disengaging sounds resulting from each switch stem from the interplay of the different top and bottom housing materials. For users who prioritize RGB lighting and a crisper sound, the TTC Bluish White is an appealing choice, whereas those who favor a fuller, more muted auditory experience may gravitate toward the HMX Cloud - 50g. However, by virtue of their nylon bottom housings, both switches provide a comparable foundational sound experience, demonstrating how distinct materials can lead to varied user experiences while still sharing core qualities.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch are quite similar in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 42 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, providing a light touch ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Additionally, both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that the total force needed to press the key all the way down is also identical. Since both switches have the same specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar typing experiences with either switch, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bluish White switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cloud - 50g features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference can impact the typing experience, as the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White may provide a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers for faster action. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, avoiding the abrupt feel that can accompany shorter switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.
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 - 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
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offer distinctly different sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among typists. The Bluish White is characterized by a low-pitched, snappy sound that delivers a satisfying, poppy typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more bass-heavy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g features a clacky sound profile, designed for enthusiasts who favor a brighter, more energetic auditory experience. The choice between these two switches can significantly influence the environment in which they are used, as the sound can be affected by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps selected.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White switch boasts a combination of buttery smoothness and a mild, subtle tactile response, providing an approachable experience even for those new to mechanical keyboards. The feel is enhanced by its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke, with a stepped tactile response that gives a slightly more pronounced typing sensation without overwhelming the typist. On the other hand, while the specifics of the feel for the Cloud - 50g are not detailed, being a linear switch, one can expect a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or resistance variations—offering a different kind of comfort for those who prefer uninterrupted key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and HMX Cloud - 50g switches cater to different preferences, engaging users with unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Bluish White's low-pitched, poppy sound and smooth tactile feel make it a delightful switch for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, while the Cloud - 50g appeals to enthusiasts looking for a lighter, clackier sound profile and fluid keystrokes. Each switch presents its own set of qualities that can significantly affect your typing enjoyment, highlighting the importance of personal preference in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and typing experience. If you are someone who craves a satisfyingly tactile and poppy typing experience with a smooth, buttery feel, the Bluish White switch may be the ideal option for you. Its low-pitched sound adds to an overall mellow ambiance that is suitable for quieter environments, making it perfect for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a more fluid and clacky typing experience that provides a bright auditory feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g could be your go-to choice. This switch offers a silky smooth keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy a more enthusiast-friendly typing experience. Ultimately, consider what environment you’ll be typing in and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, linear experience as well as your desired sound profile when making your decision.
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