HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Red Pro are two popular options worth considering. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it a favorite among typing enthusiasts looking for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with its versatile and neutral sound signature. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g caters to those who prefer a bouncier and creamier feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro is appreciated for its adaptability across different settings, whether for gaming, work, or casual typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Red Pro, it is clear that the top housings differ significantly. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. While both materials have their advantages, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Gold Red Pro utilize nylon for this component. This means that both switches will share the qualities of nylon in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. While the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall typing experience as the top housing, having consistency in material for the bottom housing allows for a more cohesive sound and feel when using either switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Red Pro will likely come down to whether you prefer a softer, duller sound profile with nylon or a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate. However, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and typing experience of a switch. Whether you choose the Cloud - 63.5g or the Gold Red Pro, you can expect similar results in terms of the sound profile created by the shared nylon bottom housing, while the top housing material will offer a distinct difference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g switch is on the heavier side while the Gold Red Pro switch is lighter. The Cloud - 63.5g switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Red Pro switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Cloud - 63.5g being slightly longer than the Gold Red Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Red Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced feel and can provide similar results depending on personal preference.
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 Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature that is neither too pronounced nor too muted, making it suitable for any auditory environment. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback sensation and smooth, buttery keystrokes. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished and silky, providing a refined finish and exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, if you enjoy a bright, clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and polished, silky typing experience, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch would be a versatile option suitable for various settings and preferences. While the subjective qualities of these two switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile and a smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a versatile switch with a neutral sound signature and adaptability to various settings, the TTC Gold Red Pro may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to the typing experience you're looking for and the environment in which you'll be using them. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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