HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each option offers unique characteristics that appeal to different users. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out with its brighter, clacky sound profile, making it an enticing choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively typing experience. This switch is designed to provide a silky smooth feel, creating a delightful sensory interaction with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon presents a more subdued yet refined linear switch experience. With its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design, users can expect a buttery smooth typing experience that’s both efficient and pleasurable. While the Cloud - 50g caters to those who thrive on auditory feedback and a vibrant typing style, the Sea Salt Lemon is perfect for individuals seeking a more balanced, neutral touch. 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 Sea Salt Lemon, the most notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer plastic composition dampens sound more effectively than harder alternatives, resulting in a muted yet rich auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, bringing clarity and resonance to each keypress, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The aesthetic appeal of the Sea Salt Lemon's clear housing further enhances its sensory engagement, particularly in visually dynamic setups.
Interestingly, while the top housings differ in materials and sound characteristics, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon. This commonality means that both switches will share a similar feel when bottoming out. With nylon being a classic and softer material, it naturally absorbs sound, yielding a deeper and more rounded sound profile regardless of the switch’s overall design. Therefore, while typists may notice a distinct auditory transition when engaging with the KTT Sea Salt Lemon or HMX Cloud - 50g due to their top housing materials, the underlying feel and bottom-out sound will be comparably plush and satisfying due to the nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in these switches demonstrates how varying characteristics can influence the acoustic experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its nylon top, provides a warmth and fullness to the sound, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance. However, the shared nylon bottom housing bridges the gap between these two switches, ensuring that regardless of the top housing choice, users will still enjoy a comforting and consistent tactile sensation. This blend of materials reveals the nuanced complexities of mechanical switch design and how they can cater to diverse typing preferences while still producing similar satisfying results.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, affecting user experience. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. This lighter actuation makes the Cloud - 50g more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where minimizing fatigue is a priority. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Cloud - 50g requires 50 grams to bottom out, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon's is slightly higher at 53 grams. This difference contributes to the overall typing experience, with the heavier bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon providing a more substantial feel. Ultimately, for those who favor a lighter switch, the Cloud - 50g is the optimal choice, while the Sea Salt Lemon, with its medium-light force, may appeal to users seeking a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there is a slight distinction worth noting. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Sea Salt Lemon features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. The difference of just 0.1 mm indicates that the Cloud - 50g may offer a slightly more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a deeper travel experience, which some users might prefer for a more tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness with a shorter distance or a fuller, more deliberate key press with a longer distance.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright and lively typing experience. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate audio feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch features a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that provides a more mellow and versatile auditory experience. This neutrality makes the Sea Salt Lemon a great option for various environments, whether at home or in the office. The differing sound profiles between the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Cloud - 50g being more on the expressive side, while the Sea Salt Lemon remains subdued.
Regarding the feel, the Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless key presses that can enhance overall typing performance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is designed with a progressive spring and dry-lube treatment, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. Despite the Sea Salt Lemon being characterized as a mild switch, its smooth feel is approachable and enjoyable for most users. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Cloud - 50g leans towards a more luxurious tactile sensation, while the Sea Salt Lemon emphasizes a gentle touch.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel of both switches, it's clear that each offers unique advantages to cater to different user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience paired with a high-end smoothness, making it ideal for enthusiastic typists. Meanwhile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out for users seeking a versatile and mild switch with an understated yet satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent typing experiences, and choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or the balance between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches largely depends on your preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you favor a lighter switch that provides a brighter, clacky sound profile along with a silky smooth typing sensation, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice, especially for enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. This switch can also be great for fast typists or gamers looking for a nimble and responsive key feel. On the other hand, if you seek a slightly heavier but still manageable typing force combined with a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch will serve you well. Its mild characteristics and buttery smooth actuation make it a great option for a variety of uses, whether at work or for casual gaming. The Sea Salt Lemon’s design ultimately caters to those who prefer a gentle typing experience without harsh acoustic feedback. In the end, your individual priorities—such as the desired sound, feel, and intended usage—will guide your decision between these two compelling switches.
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