TTC Brother vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders are the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, and the HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, each offering unique features tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Brother is celebrated for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile bounce that is both engaging and satisfying, thanks to a clear, crunchy sound on each keystroke. This clicky switch caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a pronounced tactile experience, striking a balance between noticeable feedback and comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a different experience with its smooth, linear feel and clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer an uninterrupted typing flow without the tactile bump. The absence of a tactile feedback might suit gamers or typists focused on speed and consistency, offering a more fluid keystroke. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, an intriguing contrast immediately emerges from the choice of their top housings. The TTC Brother employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, resulting in a sharper, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, particularly appealing for enthusiasts who favor clarity in their typing experience. This characteristic is especially advantageous for those looking to enhance the aesthetic aspect with RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture. This material choice leads to a more subdued acoustic response, absorbing sound and providing a fundamentally different tactile experience when typing.
However, the bottom housings of both switches reveal a similarity that unifies their sound profiles. Both the TTC Brother and the HMX Cloud - 50g feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which is recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities. This shared characteristic allows for a consistent auditory experience between both switches, enhancing the depth and warmth of the overall sound profile, as it leads to a duller and rounder auditory feedback. The inference here is clear: while the top housing differences foster a variance in sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing of both models effectively harmonizes their performances, providing users with a fuller roundness that transcends the disparities introduced by the top housing materials.
Ultimately, these housing compositions delineate distinct experiences tailored to user preferences. The rigid polycarbonate of the TTC Brother ensures a bright and clear response, resonating well with gamers or typists who appreciate the nuances of precision sounds. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud - 50g’s approach, with its nylon top, envelops the user in a softer, cozier typing experience. Despite their differences, the utilization of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that, at least in terms of foundational sound characteristics, there remains a consistent auditory core between the two switches. Hence, for users seeking a blend of sharpness from one and fullness from another, both switches offer appealing advantages, depending on the desired tactile feedback and sound profile during usage.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly affect typing and gaming experiences. The TTC Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the HMX Cloud - 50g requires a slightly heavier 42 grams to actuate. This makes the Brother switch potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, as the reduced force required may result in less finger fatigue. Conversely, the HMX Cloud switch features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon reaching the end of the keypress, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Brother switch remains unknown; thus, it's hard to ascertain how it would compare in that aspect. Overall, the TTC Brother switch is the lighter option, while the HMX Cloud switch offers a heavier feel, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Brother 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 TTC Brother the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a snappier keypress, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a deeper keypress, offering a satisfying bottom-out experience. Therefore, while both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 - 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 TTC Brother clicky switch is celebrated for its distinctive and satisfying crunchy sound profile. This auditory experience mimics the delightful sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, delivering a pronounced auditory feedback that adds a layer of enjoyment for clicky switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, which indicates a brighter tone. While both switches provide auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, the specific quality of sound can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, meaning users will find personal enjoyment according to their setup.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch excels with its easy-to-press mechanism that requires minimal actuation force, making the typing experience effortless and comfortable. The presence of a tactile bump is designed to be stepped—offering mild resistance but allowing for distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This thoughtful design reduces finger fatigue, particularly during prolonged use. Meanwhile, the feel of the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted to be silky smooth, although specific details about its tactile characteristics and resistance are less defined.
In conclusion, if you're leaning towards a clicky switch experience, the TTC Brother delivers with a crunchy sound and a tactile feel that encourages prolonged typing sessions without discomfort. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a clacky sound with a smooth keystroke that may appeal to those who prefer a different auditory landscape. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can cater to various typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy an engaging and satisfying typing experience highlighted by a crisp, crunchy sound with tactile feedback, the TTC Brother is your go-to option. Its lightweight actuation and articulate bump make it perfect for those who want a lively feel without overwhelming finger strain, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where auditory and tactile cues enhance performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter keypress with a straightforward actuation, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be more suited to your taste. With its 50g bottom-out force, it offers a balance of resistance and comfort for those who favor a less cluttered typing sound. Therefore, in deciding between these switches, reflect on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound, or if you’re inclined towards a more subdued, linear experience. Each switch offers unique benefits that align with different typing styles, so choose based on what brings you the most enjoyment and efficiency!
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