HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Grapefruit both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that is best known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit is also a linear switch, known for its tarty and light typing feel, with a unique "baritone" sound profile that is not quite bass deep. This switch offers a more neutral and polished typing experience for those looking for a softer touch. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your typing preferences and needs before making a decision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Grapefruit offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a duller and rounder sound, the Grapefruit offers a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual flair not found in the Cloud - 63.5g.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Grapefruit utilize nylon, resulting in similar sound profiles characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. The softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing helps absorb sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. Despite the identical bottom housing material, each switch's unique top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound quality and feel of the switch. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housings influences both the impact of bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Grapefruit significantly affects the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials with the Cloud - 63.5g using nylon and the Grapefruit employing polycarbonate. This contrast results in the Cloud - 63.5g offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Grapefruit provides a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the visual appeal of the switches is influenced by the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Grapefruit, making it a preferred choice for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch differ in terms of weight. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Grapefruit with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is lighter. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Grapefruit make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and may help reduce finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Cloud - 63.5g cater to users who enjoy a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Grapefruit being slightly longer than the Cloud. Gamers may appreciate the Cloud's shorter travel distance for faster response times, ideal for quick and precise inputs. On the other hand, the Grapefruit may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds with each press. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more mellow and moderate tone suitable for various preferences. Both switches have distinctive sound characteristics that will cater to different preferences, with the Cloud - 63.5g being more bright and percussive, while the Grapefruit switch offering a softer and more balanced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and smooth, buttery key presses. Conversely, the KTT Grapefruit switch offers a polished feel, with smooth and refined finish resulting in sleek and frictionless key travel. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more lively and rebounding feel, while the Grapefruit switch delivers a smoother and more refined typing sensation.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Grapefruit switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bright and clacky sound with bouncy and creamy feel, the Grapefruit switch offers a softer and more balanced sound profile with a polished and refined typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. If you enjoy a more vibrant and lively typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be more suitable for you, while if you prefer a softer and smoother feel, the KTT Grapefruit switch can provide a more polished typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a brighter, clacky sound profile and a heavier bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, tarty linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit switch could be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silky smooth feel with a bouncy sensation or a polished, refined typing experience. Weigh these factors carefully to choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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