HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Laurel both offer unique features to consider. 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, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is also a linear switch but with a medium-light actuation force, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing and short travel. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a silky smooth feel, the KTT Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. 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
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Laurel features POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is relatively more muted and on the deeper side. While both materials offer a deep sound profile, nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM in the Laurel.
In terms of how the housing materials impact typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With nylon bottom housing in the Cloud - 63.5g and POM bottom housing in the Laurel, users can expect a different tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. However, the top housing material, whether nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g or POM in the Laurel, will have a greater effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. This showcases how the choice of housing material can influence various aspects of typing feedback and overall sound experience.
While there are differences in the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Laurel, both switches offer a deep and pleasing sound profile. The nylon and POM materials each contribute to creating a unique typing experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound in the Cloud - 63.5g and POM offering a more muted yet deep sound in the Laurel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing experience desired by the user.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is heavier than the KTT Laurel linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 63.5g requires an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g for a more substantial typing experience, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Laurel more suitable. In both cases, users can expect distinct typing experiences based on the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The Cloud - 63.5g may be preferred by those looking for a bit more depth in the key press, while the Laurel may appeal to those who prefer a quicker, more abrupt feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch offers a low-pitched sound, which is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. On the contrary, the KTT Laurel switch offers a snappy feel, being super responsive due to its design. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch focuses on a bouncy and creamy sensation, the Laurel switch emphasizes on responsiveness and liveliness in typing. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a bouncy, creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth sensation. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy, responsive feel, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer different typing experiences that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more mellow, low-pitched sound profile with a lighter bottom out force, along with a snappy and responsive typing feel, the Laurel switch might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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