HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different options, such as the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Cream Yellow, both of which are linear switches offering unique tactile experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is popular for its clacky sound profile paired with a lighter actuation force, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a bright and airy typing experience, all while delivering a silky smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is designed with a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that emphasizes its resonant audio feedback, producing a distinctive clacky sound that many find satisfying. Additionally, its lengthened spring gives it a bouncy typing feel, attracting those seeking a more dynamic experience. While both switches provide their own advantages, they cater to different preferences in sound and typing feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Cream Yellow, a key distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a crisper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer composition results in a more resonant sound profile, ideal for sharper auditory experiences. Therefore, while the Cloud - 50g crafts a warmer and rounder acoustic signature, the Cream Yellow delivers clarity and brightness, making them suited to different preferences in typing sound profiles.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Cream Yellow feature nylon as their bottom housing material. In this case, the presence of nylon in both switches leads to a shared characteristic: a deeper, fuller sound profile that comes from the material's sound-absorbing properties. Because the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed, both switches display similar acoustic qualities in this regard. Users can expect a duller and rounder feel when typing on both switches due to this common housing material, which can lead to an enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate softer sound profiles.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials create a unique combination of sound profiles in these two switches. While the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper and rounder experience courtesy of its nylon top housing, the Cream Yellow leverages polycarbonate to create a sharper sound that enhances auditory clarity. However, the shared nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches share a foundational sound characteristic of warmth and depth. As a result, users can achieve a balance between the warmth of the Cloud - 50g and the clarity of the Cream Yellow, allowing for personal preference to guide their choice while still enjoying common acoustic elements across both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams, which is lighter and can facilitate prolonged typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Cream Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. When considering bottom out forces, the Cloud - 50g reaches a force of 50 grams, while the Cream Yellow is even heavier at 58 grams. Thus, while both switches differ in actuation and bottom out forces, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, making it suitable for those favoring extended use without fatigue, whereas the KTT Cream Yellow caters to users desiring a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, catering well to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as its reduced travel distance allows for faster actuation. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress that provides a deeper tactile experience. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences in terms of travel distance, the Cream Yellow offers a more rapid response, while the Cloud - 50g offers a greater depth in feel during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g for $2.99.
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch presents a clacky sound profile that enthusiasts will appreciate for its bright and crisp auditory feedback. This sharp sound enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. Similarly, the KTT Cream Yellow also features a distinctively clacky audio profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy sound with its short bottom-out distance and long-pole stem design, which contributes to resonant feedback. Both switches share this clackiness, so users can expect a similar engaging auditory experience, though subtleties in sound may arise depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.
When considering the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a silky smooth experience, making it highly enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions. Its smooth actuation allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow delivers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like sensation with a lively rebound upon pressing the switches. This makes for a dynamic typing experience, but the overall smoothness might not match the Cloud - 50g's silky tactile feedback. Despite their differences in feel, both switches are designed to encourage a satisfying keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Cream Yellow switches share a clacky sound profile, providing a lively auditory feedback that engages typists. However, they differ in their tactile feel, with the Cloud - 50g offering a smooth experience and the Cream Yellow presenting a bouncy, spring-like sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, with the shared clackiness ensuring a lively auditory atmosphere while the individual characteristics of each switch cater to different tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you are someone who enjoys a lighter touch and seeks a smooth typing experience with a highlight on bright auditory feedback, the Cloud - 50g is likely your best fit. Its 50-gram actuation force promotes faster response times and a less fatiguing experience during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more robust feel with a bit of resistance, the Cream Yellow is a solid option, offering a bouncy feedback and a satisfying clacky sound that makes each keystroke resonate. The 58-gram force can provide a sense of security, making it a great choice for typists who want to ensure their presses register distinctly. Each switch has its own character: the Cloud - 50g for those who revel in a smooth and light experience, and the Cream Yellow for those who thrive on sound and a responsive, lively feel. Ultimately, your decision should align with what feels right for your typing style and the acoustic atmosphere you enjoy while using your keyboard.
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