HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mint mechanical keyboard switches, we find two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a heavier feel, ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint provides a smooth linear switch with a satisfyingly light and fleeting type feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy and high-pitched, the Mint is low-pitched and neutral. Both switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different users depending on their typing preferences. 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
2.00 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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mint lies in their top housings. While the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, the Mint features a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer nature. The choice between the two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics, as polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for RGB lighting setups.
On the other hand, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material is valued for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. As such, whether it's the Cloud - 63.5g or the Mint, typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will result in a similar duller and rounder sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, regardless of the switch model.
In summary, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Mint ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar duller and rounder sound profile when typing. Understanding the distinctions between the housing materials can help users make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Mint is the lighter option while the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier one. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, slightly higher than the Mint's 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Mint's 53 grams. This makes the Cloud - 63.5g more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the Mint is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its faster travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the KTT Mint with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfactory typing experience based on the traditional travel distances provided.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, providing a sharp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various preferences. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a bright and sharp sound or a more mellow and moderate tone.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild and polished feel, giving a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. When comparing the two switches in terms of feel, it comes down to whether you prefer a bouncy and creamy typing experience or a mild and polished one.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities catered to different preferences. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a bouncy, creamy feel, the KTT Mint offers a low-pitched, neutral sound and a mild, polished feel. Choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound sharpness and spring-like feel or a mellow tone and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience, providing satisfying options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Mint linear switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, along with a silky smooth feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, along with a light and fleeting type feel, then the KTT Mint would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a heavier switch with a bright sound profile or a lighter switch with a smooth and poppy feel.
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