HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh their options based on sound, feel, and performance. The HMX Cloud - 50g, renowned for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, offers a bright and engaging typing experience that many typists and gamers adore. Its silky smooth feel makes it an excellent choice for those who value both auditory feedback and responsiveness in their key presses. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch, with its visually appealing pink and clear housings, provides a low-pitched, frictionless experience characterized by its buttery and polished actuation. This switch is celebrated for its reliable performance and comfortable feel, making it a favorite for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. While each switch has its unique appeal, they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Strawberry switches showcase two distinct materials used in their housings, each contributing unique acoustic qualities to the typing experience. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is renowned for producing a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is notably crisper and more resonant, engaging a different auditory experience that might appeal to users seeking clarity and brightness in their keystrokes.
Beyond merely the acoustic differences, the aesthetic implications of the materials also set the switches apart. The nylon housing of the Cloud - 50g gives a more muted appearance compared to the KTT Strawberry, which, due to its clear polycarbonate housing, allows for light to pass through, making it particularly advantageous for setups that utilize RGB lighting. This translucency means that the visual effects of the lighting can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of a gaming or workspace setup when using the KTT Strawberry switches, while the Cloud - 50g gives a more subtle, understated elegance without the integrated lighting effects.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Strawberry switches differ in their housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience and aesthetics. Despite these differences, one can achieve a similar overall result in terms of typing feel by considering the individual impacts of the materials used in the top and bottom housings. For the Cloud - 50g, the nylon will provide a softer bottom-out feel, while the clear polycarbonate of the KTT Strawberry offers resonance and clarity during both key presses and releases. Thus, the distinction between deeper, fuller sounds of nylon and the sharper sounds of polycarbonate allows for targeted choice based on individual preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch combination that meets their desired outcome.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a notably higher bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. Thus, the Cloud - 50g is lighter overall compared to the Strawberry, which is heavier. Those who appreciate a responsive and lightweight keystroke will find the Cloud - 50g more appealing, while users who favor a more robust typing feedback should consider the Strawberry due to its heavier forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a slight difference that could significantly influence user experience. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Strawberry offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud switch the shorter option, which can provide a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers or those who prefer quicker key activation. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying key press, offering a more traditional tactile experience. Therefore, if you lean towards faster response times, the Cloud - 50g might be more suitable, while the Strawberry may better satisfy those who favor a more robust depth in their typing 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 stands out with its clacky sound profile, offering a bright and engaging auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing atmosphere. This trait injects a certain playfulness into each keystroke, making typing feel dynamic and fun. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone that feels more mellow and bass-heavy, providing a softer auditory feedback that is less intrusive than the high-pitched clacks of the Cloud - 50g. The quieter sound signature of the Strawberry may be more suited for environments where noise can be an issue but lacks the vibrant character of the Cloud's tones.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smoothness, allowing for a seamless typing experience as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This smooth feeling streamlines typing and enhances comfort over longer periods. The KTT Strawberry switch, on the other hand, is celebrated for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, which minimizes resistance when pressing down on the keys. The fluid travel of the Strawberry makes for an incredibly satisfying experience, one that is not only smooth but also elevates the overall typing sensation, merging comfort and performance into a compelling package.
Taken together, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Strawberry switches present unique yet complementary experiences for a mechanical keyboard user. The Cloud - 50g caters to those who appreciate a lively and clacky sound alongside a smooth typing feel, while the Strawberry offers a quieter, more refined auditory experience with an exceptionally smooth, frictionless touch. Ultimately, both switches will deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but your preference will likely depend on whether you lean towards an engaging sound or a more subtle, smooth operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting the right switch between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Strawberry can significantly enhance your typing experience based on your preferences and needs. If you gravitate towards a lighter keystroke and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who appreciate rapid typing and a bright auditory feedback, allowing for a lively and engaging experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust typing feel with a slightly heavier 62g bottom-out force, the KTT Strawberry will serve you well. It offers a low-pitched sound that provides a more mellow auditory signature, making it suitable for quieter environments or when you want a more soothing typing experience. Moreover, the Strawberry's frictionless and buttery feel caters to users seeking smooth key presses with minimal resistance, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your tactile and auditory preferences, as well as how you plan to use your keyboard—be it for gaming, typing, or a combination of activities.
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