HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Lightning mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is well-loved for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning, also a linear switch, is known for its approachable "speed" switches that are ideal for gaming situations where milliseconds can make a difference. With a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switches offer a polished and subtle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Lightning utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of the softer plastic absorbing more sound. This similarity ensures that typing on both switches will elicit a similar experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the difference in their top housings sets them apart, with the Cloud featuring a nylon top housing for a duller and rounder sound, while the Lightning opts for a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the material used in the top housing of a switch can play a significant role, especially when considering factors like RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Lightning's top housing allows for a more visually appealing experience when coupled with RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Cloud's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal but focuses more on providing a specific sound profile characterized by its softer plastic. This distinction showcases how material choice can cater to different preferences, whether it be for functionality or aesthetics.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a consistent typing experience, the split between their top and bottom housings engenders a unique typing feel. The qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This distinction emphasizes how the combination of different housing materials can work together to create a nuanced typing experience that caters to various preferences and needs.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Cloud switch requires more force to initiate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud switch also comes out heavier with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Lightning switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Cloud switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher forces, while the Lightning switch offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Overall, users looking for a lighter typing feel may prefer the KTT Lightning switch, while those looking for a heavier and more tactile typing experience may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In this case, the Lightning switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud switch. The difference may not seem significant, but for individuals who prefer a shallower key press, the Lightning switch would be the better option. Gamers, in particular, tend to lean towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Cloud switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Lightning 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
In terms of sound, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Lightning switches are described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The Cloud - 63.5g is noted for its sharp and snappy sound, providing a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switch adds a unique chirpy element to its sound signature, making it stand out slightly from the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference regarding sound, with both switches offering a lively and engaging auditory feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery experience. Conversely, the Lightning switch offers a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a light typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes rebound and smoothness in key presses, the Lightning switch focuses on a refined and sleek typing experience. Depending on whether the user prefers a more lively bounce or a polished smoothness, the choice between the two switches may vary.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Lightning linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a more clacky and bouncy typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Lightning switch provides a mix of clacky and chirpy sounds with a subtle and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would boil down to individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback during typing. However, both switches promise a satisfying and engaging typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are an enthusiast who enjoys a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and fast typing feel with a lower bottom out force, the Lightning switch is the ideal option, especially for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. Consider your sound and feel preferences as well, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Lightning provides a subtle and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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