HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the characteristics of each option to find the perfect match for their typing style. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bright and responsive typing experience. Its silky smooth feel ensures quick and effortless keystrokes, thus attracting those who prioritize speed and sound in their builds. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch offers a medium-heavy weight with a buttery smooth feel, designed to provide an effortless typing experience. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, this switch minimizes friction for a seamless key travel, appealing to users who appreciate a more stable and muted response. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences in typing feel and acoustics. 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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Pine switches, it is clear that they employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and more subdued sound signature. The softer nature of nylon not only absorbs sound but also results in a more cushioned typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine features polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, which imparts a sharper and crisper audio profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This material choice enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, creating a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Despite their differences, both switches can deliver commendable typing experiences rooted in the characteristics of their respective housing materials. The Cloud - 50g’s nylon housing grants a muted sound, ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment, while the KTT Pine's polycarbonate design maximizes sound clarity, making it suitable for those who appreciate vibrant auditory feedback. Each switch's unique material contribution ensures that they cater to varying preferences, whether one favors a softer, subdued response or a sharper, more resonant sound profile. In typing scenarios where sound is a critical aspect, these differences will play a significant role in user satisfaction and the overall perception of the switches.
Ultimately, if a hybrid switch architecture combining different materials were to be created, the resulting sound and feel would reflect the qualities of each material at play. For instance, if a switch featured a nylon bottom housing paired with a polycarbonate top housing, users would likely experience the softer and deeper sounds produced upon bottoming out, while the release would showcase the cleaner and higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate. By adjusting the combination of housing materials, unique results can be achieved that borrow the strengths of both nylon and polycarbonate, catering to a wider range of user preferences in both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Pine switch requires a slightly stronger 45 grams to register a keystroke. This difference in actuation forces makes the Cloud switch more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger each keypress. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud switch again showcases its lighter nature with a force of 50 grams compared to the Pine's heftier 58 grams. This heavier bottom out force in the Pine switch provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger tactile experience. Ultimately, if you value a lighter touch and comfort for prolonged typing or gaming, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch would be the better option, while the KTT Pine offers a firmer resistance for those who appreciate a more forceful keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Pine measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter option, ideal for those who prioritize quick response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the KTT Pine, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press and a fuller typing experience. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Pine provides a more traditional feeling, which some users may find more comfortable for prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 linear switch is known for its notably clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright and perky auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch boasts a bassy and low-pitched sound, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This results in a mellow auditory feedback that is less sharp compared to the Cloud - 50g. While both switches provide distinct acoustic experiences, the overall sound signature can be influenced by the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, which may lead to different perceptions even when using similar switches.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth experience that caters to users looking for that seamless typing sensation. Meanwhile, the KTT Pine switch is recognized for its buttery and creamy feel, ensuring an effortlessly smooth key travel that feels almost like gliding across the keys. This is often enhanced by its polished and factory-lubed finish, which minimizes friction and contributes to a plush typing experience. While both switches prioritize a smooth feel, the Pine's focus on a more creamy texture may appeal to those who desire an even softer touch.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch delivers a clacky sound and silky smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy a bright and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch offers a rich, bassy sound and a buttery, creamy feel that enhances typing fluidity. Depending on your preferences—be it the sharper auditory feedback of the Cloud or the deep, rich tone of the Pine—you’ll find that both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, albeit with their unique characteristics defining the overall sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Pine linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and requirements. If you lean towards a lighter key press with a clacky sound and a bright typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent fit. It provides a silky smooth feel that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it ideal for those who type frequently and desire a gentle touch with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with the benefits of a medium-bottom out force, the KTT Pine switch is your best option. Its buttery and creamy typing experience, combined with a deeper, bassy sound profile, caters well to users who enjoy a richer auditory feedback while typing. In short, choose the Cloud - 50g for lighter typing and an engaging, clackier sound, while opting for the KTT Pine for a satisfying, smooth, and more resonant typing experience.
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