HMX Cloud - 50g vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Speed Silver both present enticing options, albeit with distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, celebrated for its clacky sound profile, offers a lighter touch that appeals to enthusiasts who relish a bright typing experience, complemented by a silky smooth feel that enhances overall typing enjoyment. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver is engineered for speed and precision, featuring a light-medium resistance and a pristine sound profile that many will appreciate during fast-paced gaming or typing sessions. With its reduced travel distance, this switch grants users quick and effortless actuation, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and efficiency. Both switches cater to unique styles and needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, a clear distinction is observed between the materials used for their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material's acoustic properties allow it to absorb sound, resulting in a sound output that is duller and rounder. Conversely, the Speed Silver is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a contrasting acoustic experience. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, leading to a clearer and more resonant auditory result. This difference in material not only influences the sound characteristics but also affects the overall typing experience, particularly the acoustic feedback when typing.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the TTC Speed Silver share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. With both switches utilizing nylon for this component, the result is that they both produce a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The bottom housing significantly affects the feel and feedback of the switch, as the softer nylon material helps to soften the sound associated with keystrokes. The impact of the bottom housing is key in providing a consistent typing experience across both models, even though their top housings diverge in terms of material and sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the differences in top housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Speed Silver lead to contrasting sound profiles, with nylon achieving deeper tones and polycarbonate delivering crisper sounds. However, the similarity in the bottom housing material across both switches allows for a harmonious typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while users can expect varied auditory feedback based on the top housings, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a foundational depth in sound, offering a blend of distinctiveness in some aspects and unity in others. This unique combination allows enthusiasts to achieve thoughtful auditory effects, regardless of their choice between these two options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The HMX Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option, which may be more appealing for those seeking a switch that allows for longer typing sessions with less effort. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a more robust feel that some users may prefer for a substantial typing experience. The variations in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users looking for a lighter touch should lean towards the HMX Cloud, while those who favor a firmer response might find the TTC Speed Silver more suitable. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to deliver satisfying keystrokes, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it's evident that they differ significantly. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Speed Silver measures just 3.4 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the shorter option, ideal for those who prioritize faster response times in a gaming context. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g offers a more substantial travel distance, which can provide a deeper and more satisfying keypress for users who appreciate a hearty feel. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the quicker actuation of the Speed Silver or the more pronounced feedback of the Cloud - 50g.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and lively audio experience while typing. This energetic sound can create an engaging atmosphere, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch boasts a neutral sound profile. This moderate sound level makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in an office setting. While the Cloud - 50g can be more dynamic, the Speed Silver provides a more subdued auditory experience, though both sound characteristics can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth typing experience, ideal for individuals who love a lighter touch while typing. This enhances the overall enjoyment and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches offer a mild and polished feel, striking a balance that makes them approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The polished nature of the Speed Silver ensures smooth key travel, minimizing friction and optimizing the typing experience, which can be an advantage for those who prioritize fast and efficient input.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Speed Silver switches present unique offerings. The Cloud - 50g is perfect for those who thrive on a lively and engaging typing sound complemented by a smooth touch, while the Speed Silver is tailored for users who desire a neutral auditory environment and a polished typing experience. Choosing between them depends largely on your personal preference for sound dynamics and the typing feel you seek. Regardless of your choice, you'll find satisfying performance tailored to enhance your overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and TTC Speed Silver linear switches have unique strengths that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience combined with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force and silky smooth feel make it well-suited for longer typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if speed and precision are your main priorities, the TTC Speed Silver, with its 55g bottom-out force and reduced travel distance, shines as the ideal option. This switch is perfect for fast typists or gamers who require quick actuation without compromising on comfort. Its neutral sound profile also makes it suitable for diverse environments, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should depend on whether you prioritize a lively, tactile experience or a swift, precise typing feel.
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