HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Flaming Pink stand out as two excellent linear options, each catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is defined by its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who prioritize a tactile and engaging typing experience. Its bouncy and high-pitched characteristics deliver a lively feedback that can enhance the joy of typing. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches offer a smooth and responsive feel that balances performance with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them suitable for both gaming sessions and everyday typing tasks. Their brighter yet controlled sound profile ensures a pleasant auditory experience without being overly disruptive. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Flaming Pink exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing which is known for its capability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound than its stiffer counterparts. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, the sound produced is more resonant and clear, which caters to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches.
Though the top housings of the two switches differ, their bottom housings share a commonality, as both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Flaming Pink utilize nylon. This similarity in material means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of the bottom housing. Using nylon for the bottom housing enhances the overall tactile experience, as it absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, while the top housings create varied auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a consistent aspect of sound quality, particularly in the bottom-out sounds.
When considering the dual nature of the switch housings, it's important to note how these materials interact to affect the typing experience. For the Cloud - 63.5g, the nylon top and bottom housings combine to deliver a rich and muted auditory feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer and more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Flaming Pink's blend of a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom results in a more dynamic sound profile, where the crispness of the top contrasts with the fullness of the bottom. Thus, while both switches may offer similar results in terms of bottom-out sounds due to their nylon components, their overall acoustic personalities are distinctive and cater to different preferences in sound and feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Cloud has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer, more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the HMX Cloud is the heavier switch, while the TTC Flaming Pink is the lighter option. The significant difference in actuation forces means that users will experience contrasting feedback and overall feel when using these switches, which can influence their preferences based on typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Cloud features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Flaming Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that's favored in gaming situations, where quicker key presses can enhance performance. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud, with its longer 3.9 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, giving it a more solid and grounded feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for response time versus key press depth.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a notably clacky and high-pitched audio profile that provides a sharp and bright response during typing. This can be particularly appealing for users who appreciate a crisp, percussive sound with each keystroke. The sound enhances the tactile experience, making typing more engaging, especially for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their work. In comparison, while the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch aims to provide a satisfying bottom-out sound, it maintains a bright yet not overly loud profile. While the Flaming Pink's sound is less described, it suggests a subtler auditory experience that balances clear feedback with a more understated character.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy sensation. The bouncy nature of the switch gives users an elastic feedback that makes each keystroke lively and responsive, while its creamy texture allows for a silky smooth typing experience, as if gliding over the keycaps. This combination can make extended typing sessions more enjoyable and effortless. The TTC Flaming Pink, though lacking extensive information on its feel, is known for its smooth and responsive nature. Given that the Flaming Pink switches are designed for both gaming and everyday use, one can anticipate a comfortable and pleasant feel during various activities.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways. The Cloud offers a more pronounced sound profile with its clacky, high-pitched tone and a distinctively bouncy feel, making it particularly appealing to those who thrive on auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Flaming Pink may provide a more subdued sound experience while still delivering a satisfying and smooth feel. Ultimately, both switches can cater to similar tastes, depending on whether a user prioritizes a lively acoustic profile or a balanced and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch should center around your typing preferences and intended use case. If you lean towards a heavier switch and appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Cloud - 63.5g is your ideal pick, especially if you value the clacky sound profile and the bouncy, creamy feel that gives a lively and smooth typing experience. This makes the Cloud switch particularly appealing for those who enjoy typing on their keyboards for extended periods and seek an engaging auditory element. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more subdued sound that still maintains a responsive and satisfying keystroke, the TTC Flaming Pink switch would suit you better. Its combination of smoothness and a brighter sound profile is perfect for both gaming and everyday tasks, making it a versatile option. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a more tactile experience with significant auditory feedback or prefer a lighter, smoother action that minimizes strain during long usage.
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