TTC Brother vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, notable differences emerge in terms of actuation force and sound profile. The Brother stands out for its lightweight design with a breezy actuation of just 37g, appealing to those who prefer an easy-to-press switch that still delivers a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a heavier actuation force and a clacky sound profile, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. While the Brother provides a crunchy, clear click with a subtle tactile bump, the Cloud delivers a bouncy, high-pitched sound that some users may prefer. 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
37g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, where they differ is in their top housings. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing continues to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the differences in sound characteristics between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the TTC Brother's polycarbonate top housing boasts a translucent quality that is particularly useful for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing may not offer the same transparency as the polycarbonate top housing but retains a classic appeal. Despite their differences, both housing materials serve to enhance the overall sound profile of the switches they are used in. The split between the top and bottom housing in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offer distinct sound profiles, they both demonstrate the importance of material composition in achieving specific typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Brother's top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. In comparison, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top and bottom housing contribute to a sound profile that is both duller and rounder. Despite these variations, both switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing feel and sound quality.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch which has a higher actuation force of 56 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Brother switch is unknown, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Brother switch for a lighter typing experience, while those who prefer a more substantial push may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience and can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Brother switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfyingly crisp sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This sound profile is favored by many clicky switch enthusiasts for its clear and precise feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is bright and rich. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience, with the Brother showcasing a more classic clicky sound while the Cloud - 63.5g provides a sharper and snappier tone.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. The tactile bump on the Brother switch is articulate and balanced, providing just the right amount of feedback without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique feels, with the Brother focusing on effortless typing and tactile feedback, while the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes a lively bounce and smooth keystrokes.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch each offer their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch is known for its classic clicky sound and easy-to-press nature, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a sharp and snappy sound profile with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve similar levels of satisfaction in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light and tactile feel with a satisfying crispy sound, the Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a clacky and bright sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing feel or a more bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation.
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