HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer two distinct linear experiences that cater to different preferences among typing enthusiasts. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bright and cheerful typing experience while still maintaining a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its unique use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a remarkably buttery and creamy typing feel that mirrors its dessert inspiration. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a high-pitched clacky sound signature, further enhancing its appeal to users seeking a resonant auditory experience. While both switches excel in delivering enjoyable tactile feedback, the choice between them ultimately boils down to subjective preference regarding sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it's clear that the two switches utilize different materials that directly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, designed specifically to deliver a high-pitched, clacky sound signature. This divergence in material choice not only leads to contrasting sound profiles but also affects users' overall typing experiences, demonstrating how the selection of housing materials can yield distinct auditory results.

The bottom housings of these two switches further emphasize their differences and strengths. The Cloud - 50g employs a nylon bottom housing, which complements its top housing in creating a sound profile that is both rich and muted. This combination capitalizes on nylon's sound-absorbing properties, providing a smoother and more solid bottoming-out experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom housing is made from POK material, known for its impressive durability and low friction coefficient. This ensures a sleek and smooth keystroke, yielding a unique sensory feedback that heightens the clackiness of the switch. While both switches aim to deliver satisfying feedback and sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is engineered for a more vibrant, energetic auditory experience, making it the choice for users who prefer a sharper sound.

Despite the differences in material composition found in their respective housings, both the Cloud - 50g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream can provide satisfying tactile experiences depending on users' preferences. The nylon materials of the Cloud - 50g leads to a muted, subdued typing experience, while the combination of KTT and POK materials in the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a brighter, more clack-intensive effect. However, if one were to desire a blending effect, similar results could potentially be achieved through careful keycap selection. Choosing keycaps that influence the overall sound and feel can mitigate some of the inherent differences in housing, resulting in a more personalized typing experience regardless of the switch material.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 48 grams. Although both switches are categorized as light, the Cloud - 50g is marginally lighter in terms of actuation force, which may result in less fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a marginally more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Overall, while both switches deliver similar low-force performance, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, ideal for extended use, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to users seeking a touch more resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream might be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, providing quicker actuation which is often favored by gamers. Conversely, if you enjoy a switch that offers a more pronounced depth with a fuller keypress experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, would likely suit you better. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, they highlight the ongoing trend towards both shorter and deeper actuation based on user needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a clacky sound profile that resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience. This lighter variant delivers a sharper and more crisp auditory feedback, making it engaging for users who prefer a lively sound when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized by its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile. This switch produces a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of the crisp interaction you'd expect from a high-quality switch. Both switches cater to those who favor a more pronounced auditory experience, though the specifics of their sound may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices used alongside them.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smooth keystrokes, offering a pleasant typing experience that encourages easy and fluid interaction. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch shines with its buttery and creamy characteristics. With a typing sensation that aims to replicate the smoothness of gliding, the KTT switch ensures an effortless keystroke experience. Both switches lean towards a smooth typing feeling, catering to users who appreciate seamless key presses, albeit with different textures and nuances in their overall tactile experience.

In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide a distinctive clacky sound profile while excelling in delivering a smooth typing experience. While the Cloud - 50g offers a bright auditory quality, the Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with a marbly and resonant sound. On the feel front, both switches prioritize smoothness, with the Vanilla Ice Cream adding a buttery texture that enhances the typing experience. These shared aspects make either option a solid choice for those seeking a lively yet smooth typing environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's essential to consider the kind of typing experience you're seeking. If you prefer a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel that’s slightly on the lighter side, the Cloud - 50g might be your perfect choice. This switch caters well to enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter and more pronounced typing experience, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a uniquely creamy and buttery typing experience along with a high-pitched, marbly sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is likely the better fit for you. Its distinctive POK materials set it apart, offering a typing feel that glides effortlessly, making it particularly gratifying for long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences for sound and feel—whether you lean towards a more pronounced clack or a smooth, buttery glide will guide you toward the switch that enhances your typing experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more