HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a favorite among those who crave a bright and lively typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint presents a satisfyingly smooth option, characterized by its long pole stem that provides a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting typing feel. While the Cloud - 50g appeals to those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback, the KTT Mint caters to users who prefer a subdued yet polished experience. These distinctions highlight the choices available to keyboard enthusiasts, each switch bringing its own set of advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mint, the distinctions between their tops notably affect the acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, widely recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. This is due to nylon’s softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint showcases a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonation of the keystrokes, resulting in a brighter high-pitched sound. Thus, users of the Cloud - 50g can expect a more subdued acoustic profile, making it more suitable for environments where subtlety in sound cues is preferred, whereas users of the Mint will appreciate the sharper auditory feedback from their keys.
Despite the differing top housings, both switches share a common characteristic in their bottom housings, as both the Cloud - 50g and the KTT Mint utilize nylon. This shared material leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile in the bottom-out experience, making the overall tactile feedback and auditory impact when pressing the keys quite similar. The use of nylon in both cases ensures a smooth transition during key presses, and although the top impacts the sound when releasing a key, the consistent bottom housing material provides a familiar depth of feel and sound that users will find gratifying irrespective of the top housing differences.
In practical terms, this means that while the Cloud - 50g and KTT Mint offer contrasting experiences during keystrokes, they will have a noticeably similar performance when the key is fully pressed down due to their nylon bottom housings. The combined effects of the softer nylon material in both switches' bases lend a warmer tone and comfortable tactile feel at the bottom of the stroke, ensuring a level of auditory and tactile continuity between the two, even as their sound profiles diverge with the use of distinct top housing materials. Therefore, for users seeking a broader range of sound aesthetics while still enjoying a reliable and deeper bottoming-out experience, both options deliver commendably through their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, along with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, the Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the Mint switch provides a bit more resistance, which may elevate the typing experience for some users. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch for comfort or long-term use, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, while the KTT Mint could cater to those seeking more feedback from their key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it's evident that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mint measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter option by 0.1 mm, which can lead to a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, appealing to those who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Mint's travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keypress experience. While both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, choosing the Cloud - 50g may suit users prioritizing speed and responsiveness, while the Mint will cater to those appreciating a greater depth in their keystrokes.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its clacky profile, which gives it a bright and engaging acoustic quality that many typing enthusiasts enjoy. This switch produces a higher-pitched sound, which can be quite satisfying, especially for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch offers a low-pitched sound that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it notably quieter and more subdued in comparison. The Mint's sound is described as neutral, adding versatility, as it can be decent for various environments, whether you’re at home or in a workplace setting. Ultimately, while the Cloud - 50g provides an attention-grabbing sound profile, the Mint delivers a more understated acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smooth typing experience that promotes effortless keystrokes and allows for rapid typing without hindrance. This smoothness is a key characteristic that many typists appreciate for comfort and ease of use. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch emphasizes a mild and polished feel, delivering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The polished nature of the Mint switch means reduced friction and a refined key travel, which aligns well with those who may prefer a softer touch. While both switches offer smooth operation, the Cloud - 50g focuses more on an engaging and responsive feel, while the Mint prioritizes a smooth, gentle touch.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Mint switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g provides a clackier and brighter sound with a silky smooth typing experience, making it perfect for enthusiasts looking for auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Mint offers a more subdued low-pitched sound with a mild and polished feel, ideal for users seeking a gentle and versatile typing experience. Therefore, depending on your personal preference, either switch can yield satisfying results, whether you lean toward a more vibrant typing experience or prefer a quieter, smoother one.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter feel during your typing sessions and are seeking a switch that provides a brighter, clackier sound profile, the Cloud - 50g will likely be your go-to option. Its 50g actuation force makes it ideal for those who appreciate a silky smooth experience and prefer a more expressive auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch and a typing experience that combines a satisfyingly smooth feel with a low-pitched, mellow sound, the KTT Mint is your best bet. With its 53g actuation force and polished finish, it delivers a milder typing experience that still offers a pleasant thockiness due to its long pole stem. In essence, choose the Cloud - 50g for a lively, lightweight experience, and opt for the Mint if you’re looking for a balanced switch with a gentle yet refined typing feel.
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