HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that highlight different tactile and auditory experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Red are both linear switches, yet they each bring unique characteristics to the table. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, providing a bright, engaging typing experience that appeals to those who favor a more spirited interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red focuses on delivering a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium resistance, enhanced by a subtle snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without overwhelming auditory flair. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a vibrant and lively experience and the other towards a polished and understated performance—each has its own merits depending on your typing style and acoustic preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Red switches, it is evident that their top housings are distinct, leading to differing auditory experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Gold Red employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition contributes to a more resonant sound profile, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. Consequently, while both switches provide an engaging typing experience, the material choice for the top housing significantly influences the tonal quality during use, with nylon leaning towards warmth and depth, while polycarbonate offers brightness and definition.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 50g and the Gold Red utilize nylon, which results in a consistent auditory characteristic between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile, affecting the bottom-out feel of the switches similarly. This shared choice in bottom housing material ensures that, despite the disparity in the top housings, users will experience a uniformity in the tactile feedback and sound profile upon bottoming out the keys. This highlights an interesting aspect of the switches: while the top housings bring distinct qualities, the nylon bottom housing provides a common ground that fosters an element of consistency in feel across both models.
In summary, the differences in top housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Red switches lead to diverse sound profiles: deep and full versus sharp and crisper. However, the similarity in bottom housing materials, both crafted from nylon, creates a bridge between the two, ensuring that users will feel a common typing experience when pressing the keys down. This unique combination of contrasting top housings and similar bottom housings suggests that while the overall sound signature of each switch can vary greatly, a return to a familiar tactile foundation is maintained, making both switches capable of delivering exceptional performance in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we find that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, although there are slight differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Gold Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that pressing them all the way down will require the same force. For users who appreciate a lighter typing feel, the Cloud - 50g may be more appealing due to its marginally lower actuation force. However, those who prefer a stronger push may find the slightly heavier Gold Red switch to provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are categorized as light, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers minimal advantages for those who value a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the Cloud - 50g offers a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gold Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Gold Red provides a more traditional switch experience with its longer throw, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards faster response times, the Cloud - 50g's shorter travel distance facilitates quicker actuation, making it favorable for gamers seeking speed. Ultimately, for those who enjoy a more robust keypress, the TTC Gold Red is the better choice, while the HMX Cloud - 50g caters to those who prioritize responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an expressive auditory experience while typing. This sound signature is engaging and can provide a lively atmosphere, setting it apart from other more subdued switches. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red offers a more measured auditory experience characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound that produces a deep, satisfying tone when pressed. While the Gold Red is considered more understated, it still provides a unique personality with its neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings without overwhelming the user.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out for its smoothness, providing an effortless typing experience that will appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize fluid key presses. This switch is designed for those who seek a seamless typing experience, allowing for quick and responsive actions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red also promises exceptional smoothness, described with terms such as silky and polished. Although the Gold Red features a gentle resistance, it caters to a wide range of users with its mild and subtle tactile feedback, ensuring comfort even during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both switches offer a smooth typing experience distinct in their sound profiles, they cater to slightly different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is for those who enjoy a brighter and more pronounced auditory feedback, while the TTC Gold Red appeals to users seeking a refined, thocky sound with gentle tactile feedback. Opting for either switch can provide a satisfying typing session, though the unique qualities of each will align better with individual tastes and the specific environment in which they are used.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Gold Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you gravitate towards a lighter switch that delivers a clacky sound profile, and you appreciate a bright typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g might be your go-to choice. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy the excitement of more pronounced acoustic feedback while still offering a silky smooth feel for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined and polished experience with a more subtle personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is an excellent option. Its mild and silky nature makes it versatile enough for both work and play, particularly in shared or quieter environments where you may want to minimize sound distractions. Ultimately, consider where you'll be using your keyboard most and what typing experience you desire to help guide your decision between these two appealing switches.
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