HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that is best known for its clacky sound profile and bright typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, also a linear switch, stands out for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, providing a low-pitched and buttery 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Strawberry differ in their choice of housing materials. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Strawberry opts for polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffness. The aesthetic difference is also notable, with the translucent polycarbonate of the Strawberry being ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon offers a more classic, opaque appearance.
Despite their differences, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Strawberry both excel in providing unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, the Strawberry's polycarbonate produces a clearer and more resonant sound. This distinction can be especially noticeable when typing on these switches, as the housing materials directly impact the sound and feel of each key press. Whether you prefer a softer, deeper sound or a crisper, higher-pitched one, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Strawberry will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. While the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing creates a more classic typing experience with a deeper sound, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and more defined auditory feedback. Whether you prioritize a fuller sound or a crisper tone, both switches offer quality construction and unique characteristics based on their housing materials. Whichever option you choose, you can expect a premium typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is clear that the Cloud - 63.5g is the heavier option. The actuation force for the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, while the actuation force for the Strawberry is 43 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, slightly heavier than the Strawberry's 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force required, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards the heavier side. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g, while those looking for a lighter weight option may prefer the Strawberry for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces may differ slightly between the two switches, both will provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the KTT Strawberry with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience for those who enjoy a bright and percussive sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch delivers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Cloud. The Strawberry switch would cater to users who prefer a more subtle and soothing sound while typing.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry switch provides a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Users opting for the Strawberry switch would enjoy a fluid and refined typing sensation that enhances overall smoothness.
Overall, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so consider those aspects as well when making your decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch with smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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