HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, you may come across the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth touch. On the other hand, the Purple Click is renowned for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that strike a balance between tactility and comfort. Both switches have unique characteristics, offering 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched' attributes for the Cloud - 63.5g and 'Crunchy', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', and 'Stepped' qualities for the Purple Click. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches sharing this bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel may differ depending on other factors such as the switch design and keycap compatibility.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the two switches vary, with the Cloud - 63.5g featuring a nylon top housing while the Purple Click opts for a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon top housings are favored for their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate top housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting effects. This contrast in top housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact in each switch, it becomes clear that the split qualities of the housing materials play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of the housing materials used in switches and how they can affect the overall typing sound, feel, and overall user experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g is heavier in both categories. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Purple Click offers a medium-light experience, perfect for users who prefer a lighter keypress. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the KTT Purple Click has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Generally, a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer different travel distances, so selecting the one that suits your preferences will ensure a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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, creating a sharp and percussive sound profile that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant click, offering a satisfying high-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. Both switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct auditory experience, with the Cloud switch leaning towards a sharper sound while the Purple Click switch provides a more immersive and resonant click.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, giving users a spring-like rebound and a smooth, buttery keystroke experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped feel, offering pronounced feedback and a tactile sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force. While the Cloud switch focuses on a lively and silky smooth feel, the Purple Click switch emphasizes a reactive and immersive typing experience with a specific two-stage tactile feedback.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch and KTT Purple Click switch offer distinctive typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cloud switch delivers a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a creamy and smooth feel, while the Purple Click switch provides a high-pitched and resonant click with an invigorating and stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a bright and sharp sound with a bouncy feel or a satisfying click with a tactile and snappy feedback. Regardless of your choice, both switches guarantee a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter switch with a high-pitched click and a balanced tactile feel, the Purple Click switch could be the better option. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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