HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to different preferences and needs. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out as a lighter linear switch, celebrated for its clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for those who crave a bright and lively sensation beneath their fingers. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red offers a more subdued experience, delivering a smooth, consistent feel while keeping noise levels at a minimum, perfect for use in quieter environments like offices or shared living spaces. While the HMX Cloud - 50g excites with its engaging auditory feedback, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes comfort and discretion. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing style and environment.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red, it is notable that the two switches demonstrate a distinct divergence in their top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer texture that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows for a sound experience that is more muted and rounded, as nylon's ability to absorb sound excels when contrasted with other plastics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which brings a sharper and crisper sound profile into play. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, enhances the clarity of sound, resulting in a bright and resonant typing experience. Thus, choosing between these two switches could greatly depend on personal preferences for sound quality—those favoring a more subdued tone might lean towards the Cloud - 50g, while users seeking clarity may prefer the Silent Red.
In terms of their bottom housings, however, the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Silent Red share a similarity: both utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a comparable typing experience when it comes to bottoming out. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes similarly to sound absorption, leading to a deeper sound signature that tends to be consistent across both switches. Consequently, the tactile feedback experienced while pressing down on either switch will feel quite similar due to the familiar softness of nylon, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying sensation during typing despite their differing top materials.
When considering the overall sound profile and user experience, it becomes apparent that while the Cloud - 50g and Silent Red switches employ different top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housings yield a cohesive typing feel when bottoming out. Users can anticipate that the bottom-out sound will be influenced primarily by the nylon material, allowing both switches to generate a deeper resonance in this aspect. Alternatively, the distinction between the nylon and polycarbonate top housings highlights how the releases of pressure differ, resulting in either a muted or sharper sound when keys are released. Overall, users can find a balance between the deep and fuller sound from the Cloud - 50g and the sharper contributions of the Silent Red, making either choice capable of providing a satisfying keyboard experience based on individual sound preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch present contrasting characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for typists who favor easier keystrokes during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response while typing. As a result, if you opt for the Cloud - 50g, you can expect a softer touch and reduced fatigue over time, whereas the Silent Red offers a firmer push feel that might provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a heftier keypress. Overall, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, while the Silent Red is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This places the Cloud - 50g as the switch with the longer travel distance, providing users with a more pronounced keystroke experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red may appeal to those who favor quicker, more responsive inputs, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. If you prefer a switch that offers a hearty depth, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice; however, if you lean towards a switch that allows for faster response times, the Silent Red is well-suited for that preference. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different typing styles, choosing between them will depend on your individual preference for the tactile experience in relation to travel 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 delivers a clacky profile that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a lively auditory experience. This contrast with the TTC Silent Red, which offers a muted sound profile designed for quieter environments, makes the Silent Red ideal for shared workspaces or settings where noise is a concern. While the Cloud - 50g will produce a brighter sound, the Silent Red's approach minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a peaceful typing atmosphere. Ultimately, if you prefer a more vibrant sound, the Cloud - 50g will fulfill that need, whereas the Silent Red caters to those who prioritize a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g is characterized by a silky smoothness that makes for a pleasant typing experience, offering ease in keypresses without any distractions. Conversely, the Silent Red provides a buttery and polished sensation that delivers fluid keystrokes and a gentle touch. This means that while the Cloud - 50g invites a bright and smooth interaction, the Silent Red ensures a more refined and comfortable typing feel, enhanced by its padded bottom-out experience. The consistent and mild touch of the Silent Red makes it a user-friendly option, appealing to a wide range of typists who appreciate a gentle keystroke.
In summary, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Silent Red largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g offers a lively auditory experience with a silky touch, while the Silent Red prioritizes a quieter environment and a smooth, comfortable typing experience. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing needs, allowing newcomers to select based on whether they want a more vibrant sound or a serene, seamless feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke and a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. This switch caters to those who appreciate a brighter typing experience, making it a great fit for gaming or typing enthusiastically at home. On the other hand, if you are in an office environment or share your living space with others and require a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red is the way to go. With its muted sound profile and smooth, buttery feel, the Silent Red not only minimizes noise but also provides a comfortable and polished typing experience, ideal for extended use. In summary, choose the HMX Cloud - 50g for a light and lively typing experience, while opting for the TTC Silent Red when you need a more subdued yet satisfying key press.
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