HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Kang White stand out as two popular linear switch options that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and relatively lighter actuation force, making it a delightful choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging typing experience. It offers a silky smooth feel that can enhance productivity and comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Kang White switch shines with its captivating sound and a unique pop, providing a striking auditory experience while typing. Additionally, its self-lubricating material contributes to an unparalleled level of smoothness that many users find irresistible. While both switches offer enjoyable linear experiences, they bring distinct attributes to the table—one favoring a lighter and more vibrant feel, and the other excelling in sound quality and smoothness. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Kang White switches, one of the most striking differences lies in the top housing materials. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for a vibrant RGB lighting experience, which is particularly appealing for users who value aesthetics alongside functionality.
Despite the contrasting top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This consistency in bottom housing means that both the Cloud - 50g and the Kang White will provide a similar depth and fullness to the sound profile during key presses. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder auditory experience when bottoming out, ensuring a consistent tactile feel for users across both models. As such, while the top housing introduces unique sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing maintains a level of uniformity that contributes to a cohesive typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in these switches leads to a nuanced experience that balances deeper sound with clarity. The HMX Cloud - 50g's nylon top provides warmth and depth, ideal for a more muted typing environment, while the KTT Kang White's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance for a more vibrant feel. When pressed down, both switches will deliver a satisfying sound, but the differences in the top housing will make their experiences distinct, particularly as one releases the key. Thus, each switch caters to different auditory preferences while retaining fundamental similarities through their nylon bottom components.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option among the two. In contrast, the KTT Kang White requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch may find the Cloud - 50g more comfortable for long typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might favor the Kang White's heavier resistance. Overall, the differences in both actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users seeking a lighter typing experience should gravitate towards the HMX Cloud - 50g, while those desiring a stronger push should consider the KTT Kang White.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, we find distinct differences that may influence user preference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Kang White slightly exceeds this with a travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, the HMX Cloud is the shorter option, catering to those who favor a more responsive typing experience with quicker actuation, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the KTT Kang White, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper key press, providing a more traditional feel that can be more satisfying for typing. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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, providing a bright and resonant experience that enthusiasts often find appealing. This type of sound can be invigorating for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switch is noted for its low-pitched and neutral sound. The low-pitched tone offers a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, making it potentially more suitable for environments where quieter typing might be appreciated. The neutral sound profile also enhances versatility, allowing for satisfactory use in various settings, whether at home or in a professional space. However, it’s important to note that the sound can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users can tailor their experience somewhat regardless of the switch type.
When considering feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is best known for its silky smoothness, which can enhance the overall typing experience and make long typing sessions more enjoyable. This smoothness allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, providing a tactile advantage. In contrast, the KTT Kang White switch benefits from its self-lubricating material, which contributes to an unparalleled smoothness while typing. This unique feel promotes a seamless interaction with the keys, making repetitive motions feel effortless. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, ensuring users encounter minimal friction during use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Kang White switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 50g's clacky and bright sound adds a lively element to typing, while the Kang White’s low-pitched, neutral tone ensures versatility in various environments. In terms of feel, both switches excel in providing smooth typing experiences, albeit through different mechanisms. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer a more vibrant sound and silky feel with the Cloud - 50g or a mellow, versatile sound and effortless typing with the Kang White.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a lighter, more responsive feel with a clackier sound profile that provides a bright and engaging typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prefer rapid key presses without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more heft and a delightful low-pitched sound that still maintains a neutral tone, the KTT Kang White should be your go-to. With its 58g bottom-out force and self-lubricating material, you’ll experience remarkable smoothness and a richer auditory experience, making it well-suited for both casual and intensive typing tasks in varied settings. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, more vibrant typing feel or a heavier, smoother one that still delivers a satisfying sound.
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