HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and the type of feedback one desires while typing. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is renowned for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and lively typing experience. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for quick and responsive keystrokes, perfect for fast typists who thrive on speed. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo stands out as a tactile switch, offering a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming, catering to those who appreciate a more refined and subtle typing experience. With a medium-light feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is versatile enough to suit various environments, making it ideal for both work and leisure. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique strengths— the exuberant clack of the Cloud - 50g versus the understated finesse of the Mallo— 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mallo, the predominant distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the tactile feedback while typing. In contrast, the Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate allows for greater sound resonance, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. The differing materials thus not only define the sensory experience but also influence aesthetic choices; the polycarbonate housing often boasts transparency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which allows for uniformity in the deeper sound profile that this material provides. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a duller yet fuller auditory experience. With both the Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mallo sharing this nylon bottom housing, users can expect similarly softened sound characteristics during key presses. This consistency in the bottom housing reinforces the deep and rounded sound that the nylon material is known for, irrespective of the differences present in the top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Mallo creates unique keyboard experiences while sharing some similarities. The nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a deeper sound when keys are bottomed out, while the distinct top housing materials contribute distinctively to the sound on release. For frequent typists or gamers who prefer the sharper tones of the Mallo, they will notice clearer auditory feedback compared to the fuller resonance of the Cloud - 50g's nylon configuration. However, those who find a preference for consistency in sound during key presses will appreciate the nylon’s uniformity in both models, highlighting how these switches can yield different auditory experiences while still achieving a similar bottoming-out acoustic signature.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The HMX Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter of the two options, which can facilitate extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch features a bottom out force of 55 grams, although its actuation force remains unspecified, indicating a potential variability in user experience. This makes the Mallo switch feel heavier overall, particularly in bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, while the HMX Cloud offers a lighter touch for those seeking comfort during long use, the KTT Mallo may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel, especially considering its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we see a slight difference. The HMX Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Mallo measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter option, ideal for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers who benefit from reduced travel distance in their gameplay. In contrast, the Mallo, with its conventional 4.0 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional feel that many users may find preferable for typing, offering a hearty depth that some might appreciate. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfactory performance, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for either responsiveness or a deeper typing experience.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 switch offers a distinct clacky profile that appeals to those who enjoy a vibrant and lively audio feedback when typing. This brightness in sound makes it particularly engaging for enthusiasts who relish in the auditory aspect of their typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its neutral and subdued sound signature. With a moderate actuation force and dampened feedback, it finds a middle ground, producing a pleasant typing environment without overwhelming noise. As a result, the Mallo is an excellent choice for users who require a quieter setup, whether at home or in an office setting.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes that feel gratifying during fast-paced typing or gaming. This smooth actuation can enhance the overall typing experience, lowering the chances of finger fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch features a gentle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between functionality and comfort. Its feathery and mild characteristics provide just the right amount of resistance, ensuring that typing remains enjoyable even during extended sessions. The subtlety of the Mallo’s tactile bump makes it appropriate for various tasks without causing strain on the fingers.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Mallo switches cater to different preferences, whether one seeks an expressive and lively typing experience or a more understated, comfortable feel. The Cloud - 50g's clackiness and smoothness contrast with the Mallo's neutrality and gentleness, making each switch suitable for different typing environments and styles. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, the preferences for sound and tactile feedback ensure you will gain an intriguing experience in typing that aligns with your unique requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a bright, clacky sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate fast, effortless keystrokes, whether for gaming or quick typing tasks. On the other hand, if you value subtle feedback without overwhelming tactile bumps, the KTT Mallo switch may be the perfect fit for you. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, it provides a balanced experience suitable for both work and play in shared environments. Therefore, consider how much feedback and sound you desire from your typing experience when making your decision: go for the Cloud - 50g if you want something lively and light, or choose the Mallo if you seek gentleness and versatility.
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