HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each bringing its own unique character and feel. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its distinctively clacky sound profile, offers a lighter typing experience that many users appreciate for its bright and vibrant auditory feedback, complemented by a silky smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant and slightly bassy sound signature, which introduces a poppy undertone to each keystroke, creating an engaging auditory atmosphere. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, the Flaming Purple's feathery touch ensures effortless typing, making it a tantalizing choice for both enthusiasts and daily typists. Ultimately, while both switches cater to those who enjoy linear designs, each brings a different auditory and tactile experience to the table. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Flaming Purple, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributable to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear auditory feedback, making it particularly advantageous in scenarios where the clarity of sound is paramount, especially if RGB lighting is involved due to its translucence.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Flaming Purple share similarities when it comes to their bottom housings, with both utilizing nylon. This uniformity means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the underlying characteristics of sound and feel are consistent across both switches due to the nylon material. The deeper and fuller sound elicited by the nylon bottom housing will distinctly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches, ensuring that users experience a similar tactile sensation as they engage in typing.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Flaming Purple lead to divergent sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a complementary experience in terms of sound reverberation. This differentiation means that when pressed, you'll encounter a deeper sound from both switches on bottoming out, but the release will showcase the distinctive auditory qualities of either nylon or polycarbonate. In this way, one can achieve an enjoyable typing experience across both models, albeit with variations in sound and clarity that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, both offer similar actuation forces at 42 grams, making them equally light and suitable for prolonged use in typing or gaming scenarios. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Cloud - 50g has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Flaming Purple has a slightly lesser bottom out force of 47 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the Cloud - 50g provides a slightly heavier feel at the bottom of the key press. Users who prefer a lighter touch might find both switches appealing, but those desiring a more solid feel when typing would likely gravitate towards the HMX Cloud switch due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Flaming Purple the more responsive option, appealing to gamers or users seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press. Therefore, if you lean towards rapid interactions, the TTC Flaming Purple is the better choice, whereas the HMX Cloud - 50g caters to those who appreciate a more substantial key travel.
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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 bright and clacky sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who thrive on an engaging auditory experience while typing. This distinctive quality makes each keystroke feel lively and interactive. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch delivers a more nuanced auditory signature; while it is fundamentally neutral, its bassier characteristics add a poppy undertone, providing a richer and deeper sound during key presses. This resonant quality creates an immersive experience and enriches the overall soundscape, allowing for a tactile yet refined auditory sensation. Therefore, while both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, the Cloud - 50g is more overtly clacky and lively, whereas the Flaming Purple leans towards a more resonant and bass-infused experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its silky smoothness, enhancing the typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. This makes it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple presents a feathery nature, requiring a mere 47g actuation force, which significantly reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort. This switch is exceptionally easy to press, allowing for effortless typing that can accommodate long gaming or work sessions. While both switches provide a smooth experience, the Cloud - 50g stands out for its silky texture, while the Flaming Purple emphasizes an ultra-light and easy-to-press feel that enhances typing speed and comfort.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Flaming Purple switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Cloud - 50g's clacky and bright sound combined with its silky feel offers an energetic typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more interactive soundscape. In contrast, the Flaming Purple's bassy resonance pairs with its feathery lightness to provide a rich yet effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory experience or a more comfortable, low-impact typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and tactile experience. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a bright and clacky auditory feedback while typing, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be an excellent choice. Its silky smooth feel combined with a bottom-out force of 50 grams ensures an enjoyable experience for both typing and gaming enthusiasts who appreciate a vibrant sound signature. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more resonant sound profile with a slightly bassy undertone, the TTC Flaming Purple might be more suitable for you. With a feather-light actuation force of just 47 grams, these switches excel in providing effortless typing, making them ideal for long sessions whether for work, gaming, or general usage. In short, your choice should be guided by the kind of auditory experience you desire and how you prefer your keys to feel under your fingers, as both switches promise to enhance your overall typing experience in unique ways.
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