HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer distinct experiences even as both belong to the linear switch category. The Deep Navy is renowned for its rich, sharp sound profile, crafted with full nylon construction and featuring a Ly stem that ensures silky smooth keystrokes. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a pronounced acoustic experience and solid build quality, making it an excellent option for both gaming and typists seeking tactile satisfaction. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and refined typing feel, catering to those who prioritize a gentle, muted experience. Its lightweight design allows for an effortless touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and a tranquil workspace. While both switches offer smooth operation, one leans towards a more audible engagement while the other promotes a soft, subtle interaction. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Light Cloud V2 both feature nylon as their housing material, which is a well-regarded choice in the world of mechanical keyboards. This shared composition leads to a similar acoustic profile, embodying a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, which contributes to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound, making both switches appealing for users who value a quieter, more muted auditory feedback during use.
While both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, their performance characteristics may still vary slightly based on design and engineering decisions. The bottom housing, in particular, has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, even though both the Deep Navy and Light Cloud V2 employ identical materials, their specific designs and structural attributes could lead to nuanced differences in how they feel under the fingers and the precise sound signature they produce upon actuation. Translating these small distinctions into user experience might be subtle, but they can play a crucial role for enthusiasts who appreciate distinct tactile feedback.
In contrasting the Deep Navy and Light Cloud V2, it is essential to highlight the consistency in material choice while acknowledging the potential differences in overall performance. If the design of either switch causes the top and bottom housings to exhibit different characteristics, users will primarily experience the qualities of the bottom housing during actuation and the top housing while releasing a key. Despite the uniform material, this layering of characteristics means that even with similar nylon housings, each switch could deliver a unique typing experience based on how the materials interact in their specific designs. Therefore, while the nylon composition ensures a consistently rich sound profile across both models, the final typing experience might present subtle variations attributable to these design elements.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some key differences. The Deep Navy switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a slightly heavier feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out forces further emphasize this distinction, with the Deep Navy at 45 grams and the Light Cloud V2 reaching a heavier 58 grams. Therefore, the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter switch overall, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 is heavier. If you're looking for a switch that facilitates longer use with less fatigue, the Deep Navy would be the more suitable option, whereas the Light Cloud V2 caters to those seeking a firmer tactile experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it could influence your typing experience significantly. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Light Cloud V2 with its shorter travel distance may suit your needs better, particularly if you value faster response times for gaming. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth while typing and prefer the sensation of a deeper key press, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice due to its greater travel distance. Therefore, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional options, the HMX Deep Navy stands out with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Deep Navy switch creates a rich and sharp auditory profile, designed to enhance your typing experience with a clear and pronounced timbre. Its construction, made entirely of nylon, contributes to a certain depth and resonance that demands attention, even without being overly loud. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is characterized by its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter keystroke that minimizes the auditory distractions typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Deep Navy offers a vibrant sound signature, the Light Cloud V2 maintains a more neutral and subtle presence, making it ideal for quieter environments where concentration is key.
Focusing on the feel, the Deep Navy switch provides a smooth and silky typing experience, ensuring each keypress flows seamlessly into the next. However, its specific tactile feedback and resistance characteristics are not clearly described, leaving some aspects of its feel open to interpretation. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch is praised for its mild characteristics; it provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for most users. Low actuation force combined with a feathery touch allows for an effortless typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a delicate balance in the typing feel, whether for work, gaming, or everyday use.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy switch provides a sharp and engaging sound profile designed for an immersive experience, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a more subdued auditory experience that is perfect for quieter contexts. On the tactile front, the silky smoothness of the Deep Navy caters to those who enjoy seamless keystrokes, while the Light Cloud V2 excels with its lightweight and comfortable feel. Ultimately, while they serve different preferences in sound and feel, both switches could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in distinct ways, catering to diverse typing environments and user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light touch and a smooth, immersive typing experience complemented by a rich sound profile, the Deep Navy may be your best option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force offers minimal resistance, which can be especially beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming, where every keystroke counts and can enhance response times. Conversely, if you seek a more robust key feel with a balance between effort and comfort, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is an excellent pick. With its 58-gram bottom-out force, it strikes a middle ground that's ideal for those who appreciate a muted sound and solid feedback while working or typing casually. The Light Cloud’s easy-to-press design also makes it suitable for users who enjoy a light, nuanced typing experience without the risk of accidental keystrokes. In summary, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more tactile experience with audio richness or a slightly firmer switch that allows for precision in a quieter setting.
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