HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the engaging characteristics of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, providing a bright and dynamic typing experience that is both silky smooth and enjoyable for those who favor linear switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile response that delivers satisfying feedback with each keystroke, striking a balance between comfort and precision. Notably, these switches are designed with quieter operation in mind, making them ideal for use in office environments or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. Both switches have their attractive features, appealing to different typing preferences: the Cloud - 50g for those who relish a lively sound and feel, while the Silent Bluish White satisfies those seeking subtlety and tactility. However, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), a defining distinction is observed in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This absorption of sound results in a rounder auditory experience, making the typing feel warmer to the user. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. The sturdiness of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant experience that is often preferred for users seeking enhanced auditory clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches can offer satisfying sound profiles, they do so through very different material compositions.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize nylon, which brings a consistent acoustic quality to both switches. As nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, this shared bottom housing will result in a typing feel characterized by warmth and depth. When pressing down on either switch, the nylon material creates a fuller sound that is pleasant during use. Therefore, while the top housings differ and affect the initial sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the fundamental sound experience retains consistency across the two, allowing for a familiar tactile feedback.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials further influences the overall typing experience. For the HMX Cloud - 50g, the softer nylon top offers a smoother auditory experience during key releases, complemented by its nylon bottom’s deeper response. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) showcases a dynamic contrast where the polycarbonate top’s crisp output is balanced by the warmth of the nylon bottom. Thus, despite differing top materials, both switches can provide enjoyable typing sensations. Users can expect a rounder sound profile from the Cloud - 50g while still enjoying the nylon-derived characteristics in both switches, allowing for both distinct yet complementary typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, both share the same specifications in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Each has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing them as light switches. This similarity means that users can expect comparable typing experiences with both switches, making either option suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Since both switches offer the same force specifications, users will likely achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who appreciate a lighter actuation and bottom out feel will find either switch to meet their needs effectively.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g switch provides a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial, particularly those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers and those who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. Ultimately, if you seek a balance of depth and responsiveness, both switches can yield similar results based on your pressing style, but they do cater to different preferences with the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) being the shorter option and the HMX Cloud - 50g providing a longer travel 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch provides a distinctly clacky sound profile, which appeals to enthusiasts seeking an engaging auditory experience while typing. Its sound adds a vibrant and lively aspect to your typing routine, creating an atmosphere that can energize your workspace. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch takes a decidedly different approach with its muted sound design. Engineered for quiet operation, this switch minimizes the mechanical keyboard's characteristic noise, rendering it more suitable for office environments or shared living spaces. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g creates lively clatter, the Silent Bluish White offers a more discreet auditory presentation.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch stands out with its silky smooth keystroke, delivering a sensation of effortless key travel that can be highly enjoyable for typists who prefer a fluid typing experience. This smoothness can enhance typists' speed and comfort over extended periods. In stark contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch provides a medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort. Its stepped tactile feel allows for a noticeable yet gentle sensation during typing, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the tactile bump is subtle enough to avoid distraction, while still offering enough feedback to ensure a precise and satisfying experience.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique attributes catering to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g prioritizes a lively auditory experience with its clacky sound and silky smooth key feel, appealing to those who value engagement and responsiveness in their typing. Alternatively, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) emphasizes a quiet, subtle operation paired with a comfortably tactile experience, ideal for those in more reserved settings. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your personal priorities regarding sound and feel, highlighting how each switch can enhance or complement diverse typing environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a bright and lively typing experience characterized by a smoother, silky feel and don’t mind some noise while you type, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. This switch caters well to enthusiasts who appreciate that clacky sound profile and the lighter 50-gram bottom out force, offering a more exhilarating feedback during use. On the other hand, if you find yourself working in a quieter setting, like an office or shared living space, and prioritize a muted sound profile without sacrificing tactile feedback, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better option. Its gentle resistance and medium tactile feel provide a comfortable typing experience that is both precise and considerate of those around you. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience or a focus on noise minimization, along with how you feel about tactile feedback in your typing rhythm.
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