HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek a balance between sound, feel, and performance, and two popular linear options in this realm are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Peach. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its lighter actuation force, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who relish a bright and engaging auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Peach offers a syrupy smooth feel paired with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile that appeals to users who prefer a more subdued and mellow auditory experience. The Peach switches are characterized by their neutral and mild traits, making them a great choice for long typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches cater to different preferences — the Cloud - 50g for a lively and cheerful experience, and the KTT Peach for a deeper, more satisfying thock. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch 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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Peach, a notable distinction arises from the materials used for their top housings. The HMX Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon, renowned for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This results in a sound that is more absorbed and muted, lending to a more rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the KTT Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a crisper and sharper sound profile. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, elevating the overall audio sharpness especially when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while the nylon top of the Cloud - 50g provides a more subdued auditory experience, the polycarbonate of the Peach leads to brightness and clarity in sound.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a pivotal role in the typing experience. This shared material contributes to a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile in both instances. With nylon's softer nature, it effectively absorbs sound, creating a more muted bottom-out feel for the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Peach alike. As the bottom housing directly influences the tactile response of the switch during actuation and bottoming out, both switches provide a consistent feel in that aspect, even as their top housings differ. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a familiar experience in terms of tactile feedback, blending the character of the top housing with the characteristic feel of nylon at the base.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials offer potential users varied experiences in sound while maintaining similarities in feel due to the shared nylon in the bottom housings. Those seeking the muted depth of nylon will find that the Cloud - 50g delivers a warmer sound profile perfect for a quiet typing atmosphere. Meanwhile, users looking for a more vibrant and resonant audio experience will likely gravitate towards the KTT Peach, especially if RGB lighting is a priority. Nevertheless, regardless of the top housing material, users can expect a consistent tactile feedback and feel from both switches due to the nylon bottom, providing a balanced mix of auditory and physical responses in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal a notable difference in feel and weight. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter and ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to activate the keys. In contrast, the KTT Peach switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as medium-light. This difference in force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as the heavier Peach switch engages more firmly under the fingers. Ultimately, while both switches aim to deliver a responsive keystroke, the HMX Cloud allows for easier actuation, making it the lighter option, while the KTT Peach provides a more pronounced resistance for those who favor a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, the HMX Cloud measures 3.9 mm, while the KTT Peach has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Conversely, the KTT Peach, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper keypress for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience, avoiding the abrupt sensation that can accompany shorter switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor a faster response, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the better option, while the KTT Peach is ideal for users who appreciate a fuller keystroke.
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 Peach 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch presents a clacky sound profile, which creates a bright and vibrant auditory feedback during typing. This lively sound can be quite satisfying for enthusiasts who thrive on the noise of their mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Peach switch is known for its low-pitched, thocky sound that lends a more subdued and bass-heavy tone to the typing experience. This deeper sound is often preferred for its mellow quality, striking a balance that can be enjoyable for both casual and serious typists alike. Ultimately, while the Cloud - 50g leans towards a more animated clack, the Peach offers a rounded sound that might be more versatile for different settings.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth typing experience that caters well to those who prefer a straightforward, swift keypress without interruptions. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and fluidity, making it appealing for typists looking for effortless performance. Conversely, the KTT Peach switch delivers a syrupy smooth feel, which is slightly more nuanced yet retains a gentle overall typing experience. Both switches aim for accessibility, but the Peach's mild characteristics ensure that it isn't jarring, making it suitable for users who seek a more balanced experience in tactile feedback.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Peach switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited for different preferences. The Cloud - 50g captures the essence of a lively and bright sound, complemented by a silky smooth feel, while the KTT Peach balances a thocky sound signature with a syrupy smooth typing experience. While they cater to different tastes in sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying typing results with either switch, depending on your personal preferences in auditory feedback and keypress sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Peach linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a clacky sound and a silky smooth feel while typing. This switch is particularly well-suited for gaming and fast-paced typing tasks, making it ideal if you're looking for quick responsiveness without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more heft with a medium-light actuation force, or if you favor a deeper, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach might be your go-to. It excels in providing a syrupy smooth typing feel that many users find very satisfying, striking a balance that can cater to both work and casual typing environments. In short, consider the Cloud - 50g for a lively, light experience and the Peach for a more grounded, rich sound and feel, allowing you to tailor your keyboard setup to your specific needs and enjoyment.
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