HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel achieved through the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, adding to its distinctiveness. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, further exploration is necessary to determine the best fit for individual 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, leading to a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The difference in housing materials between these switches highlights how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
When comparing the bottom housing materials of the two switches, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptional strength, smoothness, and durability. The POK material enhances the overall smooth and clacky feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches, showcasing a different approach to switch construction compared to the Cloud - 63.5g.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches differ, both switches aim to provide a distinct typing experience for users. While the nylon housing of the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, the proprietary KTT blend and POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch enhance the clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, offering users unique options to explore based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both aspects. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 63.5 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires 48 grams to bottom out. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch a lighter option overall. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Cloud - 63.5g switch for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Cloud - 63.5g switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, whether you choose the shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal preference for the feel of the keyboard.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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, providing users with a sharp and crisp sound profile that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that is clean and sharp, giving typists an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud switch being more clacky and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a smoother, marbly sound.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a spring-like feedback and a silky smooth feel that is reminiscent of gliding across the keys. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, providing users with a smooth and fluid keystroke that is seamless and effortless. Both switches deliver a luxurious typing feel, with the Cloud switch being bouncier and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a buttery smoothness.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud switch is known for its clacky sound profile and bouncy typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its marbly sound and buttery feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, your choice should primarily be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a brighter, clackier sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, creamier feel with a lighter actuation force, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully to choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience the most.
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