HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your overall typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth action, catering to enthusiasts who relish a bright auditory experience while typing. This switch offers a lighter feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more vibrant typing dynamism. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switch is known for its incredibly low actuation force of 37g, which allows for rapid and effortless keystrokes—perfect for users seeking a swift typing experience, whether for gaming or fast-paced writing. Additionally, the Gold Pink switch delivers satisfying feedback while maintaining a clacky sound that many find appealing. While both switches promise an engaging typing experience with their linear designs, they cater to different preferences in terms of weight and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Pink represent two distinct approaches to the choice of housing materials, with significant implications for their sound profiles and user experience. The Cloud - 50g employs a nylon top housing—an established material known for its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound gives the switch a muted yet round auditory character, favoring those who prefer a less sharp typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing that is considerably stiffer, yielding a crisper and more pronounced sound. The inherent clarity of polycarbonate not only enhances the acoustic responsiveness of the switch but also provides an appealing translucency, which complements RGB lighting setups.
Both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, leading to similar sound characteristics at that level. The nylon material’s softer composition plays a significant role in suppressing higher frequencies, creating a well-rounded sound when the key is pressed down fully. This shared bottom housing results in a comparable depth and richness in the bottom-out sound across both switch types. Therefore, regardless of the material differences in the top housing, users can expect a consistent and satisfying auditory experience when actuating either the Cloud - 50g or the Gold Pink switches, as both will benefit from the nylon's dampening effects at the foundation of the switch.
The differing top housing materials create a clear dichotomy in the auditory experience of these two switches. Users who prioritize a fuller, rounded sound profile may gravitate toward the HMX Cloud - 50g, while those who desire a sharper, brighter auditory response should consider the TTC Gold Pink. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share a common trait that contributes to a fulfilling keystroke experience. Ultimately, while both switches can yield satisfying results, the variation in their top housings introduces distinct tonal characteristics that cater to diverse preferences in typing sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for users seeking a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Pink is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold Pink requires less force to actuate, which may appeal to typists and gamers looking for a responsive feel. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g provides a slightly heavier push, which could cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are designed for comfort, the Gold Pink is lighter and may be better suited for long sessions, whereas the Cloud - 50g offers a bit more resistance for users who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Gold Pink linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Gold Pink switch offers a more traditional experience with its travel distance being closer to the commonly preferred 4.0 mm. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g provides a marginally shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Therefore, if you favor responsiveness and a lighter touch, the HMX Cloud may be the more suitable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a hearty depth to your keystrokes, the TTC Gold Pink would be the better choice. Ultimately, the travel distances of these switches highlight the variance in tactile experiences they cater to, with the Gold Pink being the longer option and the Cloud - 50g being the shorter one.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 - 50g linear switch delivers a notably clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright auditory typing experience. This sound signature is excellent for creating an engaging and lively atmosphere during typing sessions. In comparison, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch also produces a clacky sound, though it's slightly muted due to its lighter actuation force of 37g. Both switches, however, can create an exciting sound environment, though the Gold Pink may feel less aggressive due to its lighter touch. Keep in mind that the final sound can be influenced by factors like the keyboard’s material and the choice of keycaps, making the experience somewhat subjective.
Feel is where these switches begin to diverge, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smooth feel, providing an effortless gliding sensation with each keystroke. This creates an inviting experience for prolonged typing or gaming. The TTC Gold Pink, on the other hand, is characterized as buttery and feathery, offering an exceptionally light touch that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for rapid typing and gaming. While the Gold Pink incorporates some feedback with its mild and subtle characteristics, it still focuses on a gentle typing experience that caters to comfort and ease. Ultimately, the Cloud may offer a more refined smoothness, while the Gold Pink emphasizes lightness and playfulness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Gold Pink switches share a clacky sound profile that enhances typing enthusiasm, they differ significantly in feel. The Cloud offers a silky smooth experience ideal for longer sessions, while the Gold Pink focuses on a feathery touch that allows for rapid keystrokes without much exertion. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can appeal to different types of users, making it important to consider not just sound but also the overall feel when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Pink linear switches hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a clacky sound profile combined with a silky smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 50g should be your pick, especially if you enjoy the tactile and auditory feedback that enhances your typing pleasure. This switch is particularly suited for typing tasks where feedback and sound might elevate your experience, but it still maintains a light feel with its 50g bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you lean towards ultra-light switches for maximum speed and effortless keystrokes, the TTC Gold Pink is tailored for you. With a mere 45g bottom-out force and a buttery, feathery feel, this switch shines in rapid typing environments and gaming scenarios where quick actions are crucial. Its mild yet lively sound profile ensures a pleasant experience without being disruptive, making it a fantastic choice for shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between these two exceptional switches should be guided by whether you prioritize the engaging tactile feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the quick, effortless actuation of the Gold Pink.
Mentioned in this article
