HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is characterized by a clacky sound profile and a heavier feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced nature, with a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing feel. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the Gold Brown switch provides a softer, buttery feel with a polished sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Gold Brown both feature nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. However, the Gold Brown stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. This difference in material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound output, catering to different preferences based on sound preference.
On the other hand, both the Cloud - 63.5g and Gold Brown utilize nylon bottom housings, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a consistent and familiar typing experience, the differences in their top housings can significantly influence the sound profile and overall feel of the switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Gold Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the nylon bottom housings in both switches offer a similar typing experience, the difference in top housings sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g, while those looking for a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Gold Brown with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both fall under the medium weight category, with the Cloud - 63.5g being slightly heavier than the Gold Brown. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, while the Gold Brown requires 55 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, and the Gold Brown requires 63 grams. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, as the actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close to each other. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown may be more suitable, while the Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. In general, a shorter travel distance often leads to faster response times, making it a preference for gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer greater depth when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key press feel.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch presents a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced sound, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a brighter and more percussive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, with a spring-like feedback and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery feel, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming and a refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, while the TTC Gold Brown switch is perfect for users looking for a balanced and satisfying tactile feel with a soft and moderate sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and desired sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, and selecting either option will result in a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a heavier actuation force, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced and slightly tactile typing feel with a softer sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown switch may be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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