HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Neptune each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lively, clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who revel in a bright, engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel adds to the appeal, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for those who type frequently. In contrast, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure that yields a smooth, frictionless glide coupled with a springy resistance, evoking the delightful textures of chewy mochi. This switch features a muted thocky sound signature, perfectly suited for users seeking a quieter yet expressive typing experience. With the ultralight weight of the Neptune facilitating swift and effortless typing, both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on your typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
41g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Neptune, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, well-regarded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to a more muted acoustic response, absorbing sound waves effectively and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Neptune uses a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which creates a distinctive sound that is also on the deeper side, albeit with a more pronounced clarity. This subtle difference suggests that while both switches provide appealing audio feedback, the nylon in the Cloud - 50g excels at producing a softer sound, while the POM in the Neptune emphasizes a more unique tonal quality.
The bottoms of each switch further showcase the contrast in housing materials, significantly influencing the overall acoustics. The Cloud - 50g incorporates nylon as its bottom housing, which complements its top and contributes to a coherent sound signature, emphasizing a rounded auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Neptune is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for delivering a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This difference creates a sharp distinction in user experience; while the Cloud - 50g produces a fuller sound, the Neptune offers clarity that may appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback. The impact of these materials on the bottom-out sound of each switch demonstrates how the choice of plastic affects both the feel and sound profile when keys are pressed.
Despite the differences, the results from each switch can be similar in some aspects due to how the properties of the materials interact. If one considers that both the Nylon and POM in the Neptune are designed to offer muted sound profiles, there may be instances where typing experiences could converge, especially if a user prefers a softer and less aggressive typographical feedback. In scenarios that emphasize subtle responses over sharp acoustic clarity, both switches can fulfill that niche to a degree, allowing users to enjoy a pleasant typing experience. Therefore, while the materials differ significantly, the ultimate sound experience can still resonate with users, albeit through varied auditory dimensions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, both demonstrate relatively light specifications. The HMX Cloud features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This similarity in their bottom out forces indicates that both switches provide a consistent response upon fully pressing down, which may appeal to those looking for a reliable typing experience. However, the Cloud switch has a slightly higher actuation force by one gram, making the Neptune the lighter option regarding the force required to achieve a keystroke. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially for prolonged use or gaming, the TTC Neptune would be the more suitable choice, while those who enjoy a marginally more substantial push might prefer the HMX Cloud. Overall, while both switches deliver a light touch, they cater to different preferences based on their subtle differences in actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Neptune features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference indicates that the Neptune may provide a more responsive feel, catering well to gamers who favor quick key presses. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g's longer travel distance might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial, reassuring depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more rapid response, the shorter travel distance of the Neptune could be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper typing experience may prefer the Cloud - 50g.
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 Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 presents a clacky sound profile that enthusiasts often find bright and engaging, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback during typing. It adds a lively element to the keystroke, inviting a more enthusiastic typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch features a low-pitched, muted sound signature that delivers a thocky quality, providing a softer, bass-heavy auditory experience. This subdued sound minimizes the typical mechanical clatter, making it ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a more discreet typing experience. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g offers an energetic, attention-grabbing sound, the Neptune promotes a more mellow, balanced auditory profile.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g is characterized by a silky smooth typing experience that delivers a comfortable and pleasurable touch. This lightness can contribute to an engaging typing rhythm, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch is specifically designed to offer a unique combination of buttery smoothness and a gummy sensation, reminiscent of pressing into soft textures. The frictionless glide enhances the overall experience, allowing for rapid and effortless keystrokes. With this, while the Cloud - 50g provides a sleek and unobstructed feel, the Neptune introduces an innovative touch that feels both springy and cushioned, making each keystroke feel distinctive.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Neptune switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g presents a vibrant and clacky auditory experience, paired with a silky smooth sensation that enhances typing efficiency. In contrast, the Neptune is quieter, offering a softer thocky sound while delivering a unique combination of a buttery and gummy feel for a novel typing journey. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and an engaging typing rhythm or a more subdued listening experience paired with a unique tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Neptune linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a brighter, more spirited typing experience with a clacky sound signature, then the Cloud - 50g would be your best bet. Its smooth feel and light actuation force make it suitable for those who enjoy rapid, expressive typing, particularly in an environment where a more pronounced auditory feedback is welcome. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more subdued environment with a typing experience that feels almost effortless and incorporates a thocky sound, the TTC Neptune is likely the right switch for you. Its gummy, frictionless glide mimics a unique tactile quality, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and noise reduction are priorities. Ultimately, understanding your specific needs and typing style will guide you in making the right switch choice, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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