HMX EMO vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX EMO is a linear switch that provides a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it effortless and bouncy while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is also a linear switch known for its silent operation and refined typing feel, perfect for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced experience. While the EMO is best for users who enjoy a more tactile and light typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 caters to those who prefer a silent and easy-to-press switch. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the TTC Light Cloud V2, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite this similarity, the EMO uses polycarbonate in its top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 also features a nylon top housing, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon.
While both the HMX EMO and the TTC Light Cloud V2 utilize nylon in their bottom housing, their differences lie in the materials used for the top housing. The EMO's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, offering a more rounded typing experience. These differences in top housing materials result in distinct audible and tactile responses when typing on each switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel. However, both switches share the characteristic of utilizing nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX EMO and the TTC Light Cloud V2 plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the EMO provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Light Cloud V2 offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share similarities in utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. These differences in housing materials showcase how subtle changes can impact the overall typing experience and cater to a variety of preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is evident that the EMO is lighter while the Light Cloud V2 is heavier. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it lighter in comparison to the Light Cloud V2, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the EMO will provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who value extended typing sessions or gaming comfort. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 will offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide a different tactile feel, with the EMO delivering a lighter touch and the Light Cloud V2 offering a medium push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing and gaming comfort.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation, making both switches equally suitable for those looking for a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky typing experience, creating a more audible sound profile that some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch is designed to be muted, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the EMO providing a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Light Cloud V2's subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch is known for its bouncy and lightweight typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate. This feather-light nature of the switch reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, offering a comfortable and effortless typing feel. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, catering to users who prefer a gentler key press. With its feathery feel, the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a low-impact typing experience that is responsive and comfortable.
Overall, the HMX EMO and TTC Light Cloud V2 switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch provides a more lively and clacky typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a muted sound profile and a mild, easy-to-press feel that is gentle on the fingers. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more audible typing experience with the EMO or a quieter and gentler typing feel with the Light Cloud V2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a more lively, clacky typing experience, the HMX EMO switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a refined, silent typing feel with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch would be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
