HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Hyacinth 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 various models that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Hyacinth are two distinct linear switches that each offer unique benefits. The Cloud - 50g is renowned for its bright, clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an appealing choice for users who thrive on a lively and energetic typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Hyacinth excels with its thoughtfully designed 3.5mm travel distance, effectively minimizing the jarring bottom-out sensation often associated with longer-stem switches. This design choice, coupled with its use of a single-stage elongated spring, creates a smooth and consistent force curve that enhances user comfort and typing enjoyment. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear feedback, the Cloud - 50g appeals to auditory enthusiasts, while the Hyacinth focuses on ergonomic design. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Hyacinth, a notable contrast exists in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributable to nylon’s softer nature, which absorbs more sound and leads to a sound that is more muted and rounded. Conversely, the KTT Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate accentuates the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, creating a more pronounced auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer distinct sound characteristics derived from their top housing materials, the soft nylon of the Cloud - 50g leans towards warmth, whereas the polycarbonate of the Hyacinth emphasizes brightness.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Cloud - 50g and the Hyacinth utilize nylon, thus aligning in their acoustic performance at this level. The consistent use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, which is especially noticeable during the actuation and bottoming out of the switch key. As a softer material, nylon significantly absorbs sound and contributes to the rounder tactile feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. The shared nylon bottom housing between these two switches ensures that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, users will encounter a similar auditory and tactile response when pressing down on the switches, emphasizing the importance of bottom housing materials in affecting bottom-out sound and feel.
Ultimately, the interaction of the top and bottom housings in the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Hyacinth creates unique sound profiles shaped by each material's properties. While the Cloud - 50g’s nylon top housing leads to a deeper and more subdued sound, the Hyacinth’s polycarbonate top offers clarity and sharpness. However, with both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, a common auditory foundation emerges, highlighting how the bottom housing can harmonize with different top materials. When typing on either switch, one can anticipate a rounder sound from the bottom while experiencing distinctive characteristics attributed to the separate top housings, showcasing the nuanced balance of sound influenced by varied materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Hyacinth requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons might gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may find the Hyacinth more appealing due to its heavier forces. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is undoubtedly the lighter choice, whereas the Hyacinth offers a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper press, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, catering to gamers or those who prioritize fast responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference: those seeking a more robust feel may opt for the Cloud - 50g, while those who favor a snappier experience may lean towards the KTT Hyacinth.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 has a distinct clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and engaging typing experience. This lively sound can enhance user satisfaction, especially in settings where auditory feedback is important. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth is characterized by a neutral sound, presenting a moderate actuation force requirement coupled with a sound profile that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the Cloud - 50g exudes a lively auditory signature, the Hyacinth's more subdued sound makes it more versatile for shared or quiet spaces.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for effortlessly gliding keystrokes. This feature makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize a fluid typing motion. The KTT Hyacinth, while also aiming for a smooth feel, boasts an exceptional silky texture and a subtle resistance that avoids the hard bottoming-out sensation associated with longer stem switches. The 3.5mm travel distance is cleverly designed to strike a balance between tactile feedback and user comfort, creating a typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances smoothness, making it suitable for longer typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Hyacinth linear switches cater to different auditory preferences and tactile experiences. While the Cloud - 50g delivers a bright and engaging sound profile along with a silky feel, the Hyacinth offers a more neutral auditory response with a focus on comfort and subtle resistance. Thus, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you value a lively sound or a more muted and versatile typing experience. Each switch has unique qualities that can accommodate different user preferences, ensuring that you'll find either an exciting or a comfortably smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you have a penchant for a lighter touch and enjoy a bright, clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its silky smoothness combined with the light bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who are looking for a fun and expressive typing feel, particularly suited for gaming or casual typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that balances a moderate actuation force with a neutral sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth is likely the better choice for you. It offers a silkier typing experience with the added benefit of minimizing the hard bottoming-out sensation, making it more comfortable for long hours of typing. Moreover, its subtle sound and feel ensure that it can be used comfortably in shared working environments or quieter spaces. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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