HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch best known for its clacky sound profile and bright typing experience, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a heavier variant. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch by KTT is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild and neutral typing experience. 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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches with either of these keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic of nylon. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be similar between the two keyboards, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
However, the top housing materials differ between the two keyboards, with the Cloud - 63.5g featuring nylon and the Sea Salt Lemon utilizing polycarbonate. This results in a significant difference in sound profile, with the Cloud - 63.5g producing a deeper sound with a softer quality, while the Sea Salt Lemon creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing element that the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g may not provide.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While both keyboards offer a deep and full sound due to the nylon bottom housing, the top housing material will play a significant role in determining the overall sound experience. Whether you prefer the softer, duller sound of nylon or the sharper, more resonant sound of polycarbonate, each keyboard offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force at 56 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams is heavier than the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher force requirements, while the Sea Salt Lemon would offer a lighter typing feel. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon, while those seeking a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, one can expect different typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch, with the Cloud - 63.5g being heavier and the Sea Salt Lemon being lighter.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is slightly longer. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience despite the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is recognized for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a vivid typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, which delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a wide range of users. Depending on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps, users can tailor their sound experience accordingly.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cloud - 63.5g is characterized as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and elastic feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Depending on individual typing preferences and desired level of feedback, users can choose between a more pronounced and bouncy feel of the Cloud - 63.5g or the subtle and mild feel of the Sea Salt Lemon.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Sea Salt Lemon delivers a neutral and low-pitched sound with a buttery smooth typing sensation. Depending on whether one prefers a more vibrant and bouncy typing experience or a subtle and gentle feel, users can select the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a more mellow sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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