HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider both the tactile experience and the sound profile that suits your typing style. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, offers a clacky sound profile with a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts who delight in a bright, smooth typing experience. Its silky feel is perfect for those who prioritize seamless key presses and rapid typing speeds. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch delivers a thoughtful experience with its gentle tactile bump, allowing typists to engage deeply with their work while minimizing distractions. This switch features a low-pitched, subtle sound profile that ensures each keystroke remains quiet, appealing to individuals who prefer a more understated feel while typing. Both switches have unique benefits: the HMX Cloud for its lively responsiveness and the TTC Gold Brown Pro for its nuanced feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
NPI
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro, one can observe significant differences in their top housing constructions, which directly influence their audible characteristics. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound effectively, creating a duller and more rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which provides a more resonant quality. This distinction in the materials points to a fundamentally different auditory experience when typing, with the nylon creating a thick and muted sound versus the polycarbonate delivering clarity and brightness.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize nylon, tying them together in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing continues to produce that deeper and fuller sound profile, retaining a sense of uniformity between the two models despite the differences at the top. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a similar typing sensation from both switches when pressed down. This means that while the top housings bring forth a variation in tonal quality, the bottom’s construction ensures a more consistent tactile feedback across both switches, making them comparable when it comes to the fundamental feedback mechanics beneath one’s fingers.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro exhibit distinct differences in terms of their top housing materials, they maintain a level of similarity through their nylon bottom housings. This blend of materials contributes to a unique typing experience where the tonal quality of the top housing and the fullness of the bottom housing coexist. Users seeking a well-rounded sound may lean towards the Cloud - 50g, while those preferring a crisper auditory feedback might favor the Gold Brown Pro. However, due to their shared nylon base, both models afford users a tension-free typing experience that is rich and enjoyable, allowing enthusiasts to find value in both choices based on their auditory preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch exhibit differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is conducive for extended typing sessions, appealing to those who prefer comfort over longer periods. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom-out force remains unknown. This suggests that while the Gold Brown Pro offers a more substantial push feel, it may not provide a clear comparison for bottoming out against Cloud's defined measurement. As such, those seeking a lighter typing experience would gravitate towards the Cloud switch, whereas those desiring a more robust tactile feedback might find the Gold Brown Pro more to their liking, despite the ambiguous bottom-out force. Overall, the actuation forces indicate that the HMX Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro is heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances, with the Cloud - 50g measuring 3.9 mm and the Gold Brown Pro at 3.8 mm. This means that the Cloud switch has a marginally longer travel distance by 0.1 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to gamers seeking rapid responsiveness, while the deeper travel distance of the Cloud switch could provide a more traditional typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. Overall, if you're leaning towards a quicker response time, the Gold Brown Pro could be the better choice, while the Cloud - 50g may suit those who appreciate a little more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile, which appeals to users who prefer a more energizing and bright auditory experience while typing. This switch delivers a sharper, more pronounced sound that can evoke a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro exhibits a thocky, low-pitched sound that is both deep and rich, providing a subtle, mellow tone rather than an overpowering clatter. The neutral sound profile ensures it remains versatile enough for various environments, making it less intrusive than the Cloud - 50g for those in shared spaces or quiet settings.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless key travel and a fluid typing experience that is ideal for rapid input or gaming. However, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a different tactile experience, leaning towards mild and polished characteristics. It features a subtle tactile bump, which provides gentle feedback without being overwhelming. This design allows for a more immersed typing experience, as the resistance feels present but not distracting, making it suitable for longer periods of use while maintaining comfort and accessibility.
Considering both switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud switch is perfect for those who crave an engaging auditory experience and smooth typing, while the Gold Brown Pro serves those looking for a more refined, tactile touch with a low-key sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory feedback or a subtle tactile sensation, and your preferences will greatly influence the typing experience you find most satisfying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch will significantly depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you gravitate towards a lighter touch and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is a great option. Its silky, smooth feel not only enhances your typing experience but also makes it an excellent choice for those long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued, tactile experience that allows you to maintain focus without distractions, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is ideal. Its gentle tactile bump provides nuanced feedback without being overly loud, making it perfect for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Additionally, the polished, silky feel of the Gold Brown Pro ensures a refined typing experience for those who appreciate subtlety in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you seek a vibrant and engaging typing experience or a more understated and focused environment, so consider what aspects are most important to you as you make your choice.
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