HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Brown both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, categorized as a linear switch, is celebrated for its lighter 50g actuation force and its clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who crave a bright and energetic typing experience. Many users opt for linear switches like the Cloud - 50g for their smooth keystrokes and rapid keypresses, making them excellent for gaming and fast typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown, recognized as a tactile switch, provides a more subdued auditory experience with its muted sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump. This feature makes the Silent Brown ideal for those who appreciate feedback while typing without the excessive noise that some switches produce, creating an environment conducive to both work and leisure. Both switches offer compelling advantages depending on your preferences—whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and quieter operation. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Brown switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g's top housing is composed of nylon, which is known for its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing, creating a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is relatively stiffer and, as a result, generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances its appeal for users who prefer RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through more effectively, creating a visually striking effect.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Brown share nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity in material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when bottoming out, as nylon is effective in sound absorption. Thus, while the top housings contribute differently to the overall typing experience, particularly in their respective sound characteristics, the nylon bottom of both switches ensures they provide a similar tactile feedback. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the feel and sound produced when the key is fully pressed down, thereby harmonizing the acoustic experience for users across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials affects the overall performance and sound profile of the switches. The distinction in top housing materials dictates how the sound is perceived when releasing a key, while the similar nylon bottom housing aligns both switches in terms of deeper sound when bottoming out. Users may choose between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Brown based on their preference for sound characteristics or aesthetics, with the nylon housing providing a common ground that ensures a consistent typing feel regardless of the differences in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a light switch. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and has a significantly greater bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This distinction means that while the Cloud switch may provide a more effortless typing experience suitable for extended periods of use or gaming, the Silent Brown switch offers a more substantial tactile response preferred by users who enjoy a firmer key feel. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch will find the Cloud - 50g more appealing, whereas those who favor a heavier, more pronounced feedback should consider the TTC Silent Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm indicates that the HMX Cloud switch offers a longer travel distance than the TTC Silent Brown. For users who prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown may be preferable, as it can facilitate quicker key presses, commonly favored by gamers. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced key travel that provides depth might lean towards the HMX Cloud switch. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively close travel distances, the subtle difference allows for a choice based on personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile feedback.
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 Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright and lively auditory experience when typing. This sound characteristic lends itself to a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the engagement of using a mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile, which significantly reduces the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This design caters to users who wish to minimize distractions, making the Silent Brown a solid choice for quieter environments where sound may be an issue.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes. This linear switch caters to users who enjoy uninterrupted key travel without the interruption of tactile bumps, enhancing the speed and fluidity of typing. Conversely, the Silent Brown tactile switch provides a noticeable rounded bump, giving users satisfying feedback while still maintaining a buttery smooth feel. The combination of a light-medium resistance and a polished experience means that it offers a gentle yet engaging typing sensation, making it approachable for various typing styles.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a bright and clacky auditory feedback coupled with a silky smooth feel, the TTC Silent Brown excels in offering a quieter, muted sound along with a tactile yet refined typing experience. Both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. If you appreciate a lively typing experience, the Cloud switch will serve you well; if you prefer subtlety and smooth feedback, the Silent Brown is likely your best option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you favor a lighter feel and a more pronounced sound experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams allows for rapid keystrokes and a clacky sound profile that will appeal to those who enjoy the typical feedback of a mechanical keyboard. This makes it particularly suitable for gaming or typing scenarios where responsiveness is key, especially if you like the sensation of smooth and effortless key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted sound and a tactile feedback that gives you a satisfying physical response without being overly loud, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be more appropriate. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, you benefit from a polished and buttery typing experience, while still enjoying the reliability of a tactile bump. This makes it a great option for office settings or quiet environments where you want to minimize noise without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the atmosphere of your workspace, and your auditory preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different needs.
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