HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch are popular options to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is favored for its clacky sound profile and smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the HMX Cloud switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched', the TTC Silent Brown switch falls under 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. These general characteristics can help guide your decision, but to truly find the best switch for your needs, further exploration is necessary. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Silent Brown, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Silent Brown combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon material, providing a similar experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Silent Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the top housings of the switches differ in material, the similarity in the bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound quality when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Silent Brown may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a rounder and duller sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Brown provides a crisper and sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing combination. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a housing material that suits their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Cloud's 56 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g falls into the medium-heavy category due to its higher actuation force, while the Silent Brown offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. While both switches have the same bottom out force, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Either way, users can expect a similar bottom out force with both switches, providing a consistent typing experience in that regard.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the HMX Cloud offering a slightly deeper key press compared to the Silent Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which is lively and bright, catering to those who enjoy a more crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown provides a muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the vibrant sound of the Cloud - 63.5g or the more subtle sound of the Silent Brown.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback and smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and uniform typing sensation. Whether you prefer the bouncy and creamy feel of the Cloud - 63.5g or the buttery and polished feel of the Silent Brown, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Silent Brown switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on your preference for a bright and clacky sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, you may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Alternatively, if you prefer a muted sound profile with a buttery and polished typing feel, the TTC Silent Brown may be more suited to your taste. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup, so consider how sound and feel impact your typing experience before making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted sound profile with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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