HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Hyacinth are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is praised for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and high-pitched feel while also offering a creamy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, designed to provide tactile feedback without the harsh bottoming-out sensation commonly found in switches with longer stems. With a focus on user comfort and consistent force curve, the Hyacinth offers a neutral and silky typing experience. While these general pointers can help in making a decision, it's essential to dive deeper into the specific features of each switch to determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Hyacinth is the material used in the top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g uses nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles is crucial for users who prefer a specific typing experience, either one that is more rounded and dull or one that is more clear and resonant.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Hyacinth use nylon as the material. This consistent choice in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar deep and full sound profile while typing. The properties of nylon, such as its softer plastic composition and sound absorption capabilities, contribute to a more rounded and dull sound when bottoming out keys. Thus, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Hyacinth will heavily depend on the preferred sound profile during typing. If a user desires a deeper and fuller sound, the Cloud - 63.5g with its nylon top and bottom housing would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Hyacinth with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing would be more suitable. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a reliable typing experience with their respective housing materials, ensuring that users can find a switch that fits their sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, it is evident that the Hyacinth is the lighter of the two switches. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Hyacinth, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams of force, while the Hyacinth requires 56 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of pressure required, with the Hyacinth leaning towards the lighter side and the Cloud - 63.5g towards the heavier side. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Hyacinth, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches are within the range of modern preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience despite the slight variation in travel distance between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch offers a more neutral sound, suitable for various purposes and preferences. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and smooth typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth switch provides a silky and subtle feel, giving a gentle resistance and minimizing resistance for a comfortable typing experience. While both switches promise a smooth feel, each caters to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and typing style.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Hyacinth switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The HMX Cloud switch excels in providing a bright and bouncy typing experience, while the KTT Hyacinth switch focuses on a more neutral sound profile and a silky, subtle feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can offer a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to cater to enthusiasts seeking specific qualities in their typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a bright, clacky sound with a medium-heavy feel and bouncy, creamy tactile feedback, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, a medium-light bottom out force, and a silky, subtle typing sensation, the Hyacinth switch would cater more to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by the specific typing experience you are seeking, whether that be a lively and tactile feel with a clacky sound, or a smooth and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Consider your preferences carefully to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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