HMX Cloud - 50g vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different types, each suited to unique preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a bright and lively typing experience coupled with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a more robust option with a pillowy light touch and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, characterized as bassy and low-pitched. These differing characteristics make the HMX Cloud - 50g appealing for those who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback while typing, while the KTT Wine Red caters to those seeking a more muted but resonant sound, enhancing the tactile enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Wine Red switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their housing materials, which profoundly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, known for its softer texture, absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness that engenders a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This inherent difference in material properties results not only in distinct acoustic experiences but also in contrasting tactile feedback when utilizing each switch during typing or gaming sessions.
Additionally, the aesthetic implications of the housing materials contribute to the practical application of each switch. The KTT Wine Red, with its polycarbonate housings, often features a translucent design, making it especially compatible with RGB lighting setups. This translucency not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch but also influences the lighting effects, allowing for a vibrant display during use. In contrast, while the nylon housing of the Cloud - 50g is not as visually striking, its classic design focuses more on sound and tactile performance, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics. Hence, users may choose between these options based on their priorities, whether they favor visual flair or sound depth.
Ultimately, the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the two switches mean that they deliver fundamentally different user experiences, but they can still be effectively utilized in particular contexts. For instance, if both switches were to share a common circuit board or if builders desired the individual sound profiles to come together, they could potentially balance the softer, rounder characteristics of the Cloud - 50g with the sharper, more resonant notes of the Wine Red. This thoughtful combination can yield an innovative results tailored to the user's preference, showcasing how diversity in material design can coexist to enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch exhibit differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, affecting their overall typing feel. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as the lower force can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel with each keystroke, which might appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for lighter options, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while the KTT Wine Red provides a heftier push feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, but the difference in their actuation and bottom out forces allows for tailored preferences based on user comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This positions the Cloud - 50g as the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel. On the other hand, the Wine Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a deeper tactile experience. Therefore, if you value a more responsive switch, the Cloud - 50g would likely be a better choice, whereas if you appreciate a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Wine Red would be the way to go.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which provides a bright and engaging auditory experience that many typists find appealing. This contrasts with the KTT Wine Red switch, which delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound that resonates with a deep and rich tone when pressed. While the clackiness of the Cloud - 50g can create a lively typing atmosphere, the Wine Red's deeper sound may offer a more grounded feel, appealing to those who prefer a warmer auditory experience. Both switches' sound profiles, however, can be further influenced by the keyboard housing and keycap material, meaning users might experience variations depending on their specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth action, which appeals to typists who enjoy a glide-like motion as they press down on the keys. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a pillowy light typing experience that adds a layer of softness and comfort, making it feel almost cushioned with each stroke. This difference in tactile experience can greatly influence individual preferences, as the smoothness of the Cloud - 50g contrasts with the plush sensation of the Wine Red. Both switches cater to different types of users—those who prefer a more streamlined typing action versus those who enjoy a softer touch.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 50g and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer distinct characteristics in sound and feel, catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 50g's clacky and bright auditory profile may attract those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience, while the bassy depths of the Wine Red switches can resonate with individuals seeking a rich and grounded sound. Likewise, the silky smoothness of the Cloud - 50g provides a different tactile feedback than the pillowy feel of the Wine Red. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style, but both offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more spirited, clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g switches are likely the better option for you. Their 50g actuation weight provides a very smooth and responsiveness that caters well to fast typing sessions, making them ideal for those who type swiftly or engage in high-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel under your fingers and appreciate a deeper, richer auditory experience, the KTT Wine Red switches with their 55g actuation weight might be your go-to choice. They offer a pillowy typing sensation, complemented by a satisfying bassy sound that provides a comforting, low-pitched response with each keystroke. Therefore, assess whether you prioritize a lighter, more agile typing experience or a heavier, more robust one, and choose accordingly for the best possible experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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