HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Purple Click can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its linear design, provides a silky smooth feel and a clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who relish a bright, noise-friendly typing atmosphere. Its lighter actuation force is perfect for those who prefer rapid key presses and a seamless, uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click, recognized for its crunchy and invigorating tactile feedback, delivers a higher-pitched click that not only enhances your auditory experience but also offers that satisfying sensation of engagement with each keystroke. This switch strikes an impressive balance between lightness and pronounced tactility, catering to individuals who thrive on an audible and physical typing rhythm. While both switches have their distinct appeals—smooth and quiet for the Cloud versus tactile and resonant for the Purple Click—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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Purple Click switches, distinct differences arise primarily in the composition of their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing which is recognized for its capacity to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This quality allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a softer keypress experience that many users find preferable for typing. In contrast, the Purple Click is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound profile, characterized by its sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback. This differentiation in materials shapes the overall auditory experience when using each switch.
Conversely, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as they both utilize nylon. This consistency means that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom-out sound and feel will share similarities. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the same fundamental sound characteristics that users can expect when pressing down on either switch. Consequently, while the top housings contribute significantly to the auditory differences, the shared nylon bottom helps maintain a specific tactile feedback that can unify the experience across both switches to some degree.
Ultimately, the unique combination of top and bottom housing materials in the Cloud - 50g and the Purple Click creates distinct user experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Purple Click delivers a brighter auditory feedback while the nylon top of the Cloud - 50g offers a warmer, deeper sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will have a consistent bottom-out feel and sound profile, demonstrating how different materials can blend yet also diverge to create diverse tactile and auditory signature experiences. For those considering either switch, it will be essential to assess which sound profile aligns best with their typing preference, knowing that the bottom housing material will provide a familiar foundational experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click has a slightly lighter actuation force at 40 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the KTT switch requires less force to initiate a keystroke, it feels more substantial when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch overall, while the Purple Click provides a stronger push feel at its bottoming point, appealing to users who prefer a noticeable tactile feedback during typing. In summary, the KTT Purple Click might be more suitable for those who enjoy a clicky experience with a heavier bottom out sensation, while the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a softer touch favored by users looking for comfort over long durations.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cloud switch the shorter option between the two. For users who favor faster response times and a more pronounced, tactile feel when typing or gaming, the linear switch may provide a more responsive experience thanks to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the Purple Click switch, with its 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a deeper, heartier feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the preferable choice, while the KTT Purple Click caters to those who enjoy a fuller pressing 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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright auditory experience while typing. This switch produces a lively and crisp sound that can energize the typing environment. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch boasts a high-pitched, satisfying click that is characterized as both crunchy and resonant. This switch's clicky nature is reminiscent of stepping on fresh autumn leaves, providing a delightful auditory sensation that is sharp and immersive. Both switches deliver unique sound profiles, but the HMX Cloud - 50g is more suited for those who favor a broader clack, while the Purple Click caters to fans of pronounced clicking sounds.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smoothness, allowing for a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. This is ideal for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without any tactile interruptions. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with its pronounced feedback and snappy actuation. The tactility of the Purple Click, described as stepped, offers a distinct tactile sensation that is balanced and engaging, making each keystroke feel rewarding without overwhelming the user. While the Cloud - 50g emphasizes smoothness for a softer touch, the Purple Click introduces an element of tactile feedback that some typists may find more engaging.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Purple Click switches present distinct sound and feel experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cloud - 50g appeals to those seeking a clacky, smooth typing experience, ideal for an engaging auditory environment. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click excels in delivering a satisfying clicky sound accompanied by invigorating tactile feedback. Your choice will depend largely on what aspects of sound and feel resonate best with your typing style and preferences; whether you favor clackiness and smoothness or a pronounced, engaging click.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth, quieter typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force and an emphasis on speed, the Cloud - 50g would be your best option. Its silky feel and clacky sound profile can provide a bright typing environment, making it great for rapid typing and gaming without the distractions of pronounced clicks. On the other hand, if you crave tactile feedback and a more engaging auditory experience, the KTT Purple Click is the way to go. With its medium-light actuation and satisfying, resonating click, it delivers an invigorating sensation that is perfect for those who appreciate a balanced mix of tactility and engagement in their keystrokes. The crunchiness of the sound combined with stepped tactile feedback can make typing feel dynamic and enjoyable, especially for writing or coding tasks where you want to stay attentive and connected to your actions. Ultimately, the decision lies in whether you prioritize a discreet yet smooth experience or an interactive and pronounced typing feel.
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