HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, personal preferences in feel and sound can significantly impact your overall typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its lighter actuation force of 50g, offers a notably clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and responsive typing experience. Its silky smooth travel makes it an excellent choice for users looking for efficiency and speed. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches present a more understated yet beautiful design, and their unique progressive spring mechanism provides a substantial typing feel without being overly heavy. The low-pitched and neutral sound profile produces a soothing bassy raindrop effect, perfect for those who prefer a calm auditory environment. Both switches cater to different stylistic preferences and typing experiences, making it essential to consider how each aligns with your individual needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Rose switches exemplify the unique acoustic characteristics that different housing materials impart on typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, which leads to a rounded and less pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Rose employs a polycarbonate top housing, designed to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigid structure contributes to a more resonant tone, enhancing clarity in the keystroke sound. This fundamental difference in material creates distinct auditory experiences, making it clear that while both switches serve similar functional purposes, the sound quality perceived during typing has a notable divergence.
However, both the Cloud - 50g and KTT Rose switches share a similarity with their bottom housings: both utilize nylon. This commonality means that both switches will have a deeper and fuller sound when the keys bottom out. The tactile feedback while pressing the switch will largely feel similar, as both nylon bottom housings absorb sound and create a uniformity in tactile experience. Therefore, while the top housing materials differ in sound profile, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a consistent feeling and warmth upon actuation, promoting a coherent typing experience that is satisfying across the board.
When considering the overall performance of both switches in a typing scenario, it's evident that the combination of the different top housing materials alongside the identical bottom housing allows for a nuanced experience. Users will likely notice that the Cloud - 50g's deeper sound complements a softer typing experience, while the KTT Rose's sharper tones bring a heightened auditory feedback without sacrificing the felt response due to the shared nylon in the bottom housing. Consequently, while the materials vary significantly in terms of sound production, the common nylon from the bottom housing harmonizes the overall tactile feel, ensuring that typing on either switch remains a thoroughly enjoyable and comparable experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch reveals distinct differences in typing experience. The HMX Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for prolonged typing sessions, such as those at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Rose switch offers a more substantial typing experience, preferred by those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, the Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the Rose switch would likely feel heavier to most users. Since the actuation force for the Rose is unknown, we cannot directly compare their actuation characteristics, but based on the available data, users seeking comfort in extended use should opt for the Cloud switch, while those who favor a firmer touch might lean towards the Rose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it's clear that there is a slight difference. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the KTT Rose features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more aligned with traditional switch preferences. For users who favor quicker response times, the Cloud - 50g may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, gamers and typists who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may prefer the KTT Rose for its longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced depth while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the brisk action of the shorter switch or the more tactile feel of the longer one.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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 characteristics, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch provides a clacky sound profile that delivers a bright and lively typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch presents a lower-pitched sound, often described as bassy and mellow, which contributes to a quieter typing experience with a more neutral tone. This low-pitched sound can be more suitable in shared environments, as it avoids the sharper sounds that might disrupt others around you. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound will ultimately depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps paired with these switches.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smooth typing experience, making it suitable for rapid and fluid key presses without much resistance. This lightness is enjoyable for those who prefer an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch offers a mild feel due to its progressive springs, which provide a substantial yet not overly heavy tactile response. It strikes a balance between being gentle and providing feedback, making it approachable even for beginners. Additionally, the polished finish of the Rose switch enhances its smoothness and reduces friction during key travel, resulting in a refined typing experience that complements its sound profile.
In summary, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Rose linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each provide a unique experience. The Cloud switch offers a lively and clacky auditory experience combined with a silky smooth tactile feedback, while the Rose switch leans towards a deeper, bassy sound accompanied by a mild and polished feel. Depending on your personal typing style and environment, you will find that both switches can achieve satisfactory results, albeit with differing auditory and tactile experiences that make each worth considering based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a brighter acoustic feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it suitable for those who enjoy fast typing with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, perfect for enthusiasts looking for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust typing experience with a sound profile that offers low-pitched, bass-heavy tones, the KTT Rose switch is the way to go. Its medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force and the use of progressive springs contribute to a typing feel that is both substantial yet approachable, making it ideal for a versatile range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. Furthermore, the polished finish and mild characteristics of the Rose switch ensure a refined and enjoyable interaction, whether you're typing at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, consider how you type and what kind of auditory and tactile feedback you prefer to make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
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