HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Cream Yellow. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, offering a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow is also a linear switch but is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback and a bouncy typing feel. While both switches are categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the HMX Cloud - 63.5g also offers a 'Creamy' and 'High-pitched' typing experience. If you prefer a brighter and smoother typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g might be the better choice for you. 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
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Cream Yellow, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Cream Yellow features polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Despite the difference in top housing material, both switches would offer a unique sound experience when typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the two switches, they both feature nylon material. This means that both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Cream Yellow would provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down would be consistent between the two switches due to their shared nylon material in this component.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Cloud - 63.5g and the Cream Yellow results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Cloud - 63.5g with its full nylon housing offers a deeper and rounder sound, while the Cream Yellow with its mix of polycarbonate and nylon provides a crisper and sharper sound. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings of the Cream Yellow would create a unique typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Cloud - 63.5g is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Cream Yellow. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force sensitivity, with the Cream Yellow being lighter and the Cloud - 63.5g being heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Cream Yellow is the shorter option between the two. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Gamers who prioritize speed and quicker response times may lean towards the Cream Yellow due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so individuals should consider their preferences when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Cream Yellow switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that they produce sharp and snappy sounds when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience. However, the Cloud - 63.5g is noted to have a high-pitched sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a sharper tone. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a bouncy typing experience. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Cloud - 63.5g is described as having a creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This smoothness could be attributed to lubrication within the switch or specific materials used, allowing for effortless keystrokes and a silky sensation while typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Cream Yellow switches share similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both offer a clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing experience, providing enthusiasts with an enjoyable and distinct typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound pitch and any additional features that one switch may offer over the other. With either switch, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, as well as a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinctively clacky sound, a bouncy feel, and a shortened bottom-out distance, the KTT Cream Yellow switch could be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire the most.
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