TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Cherry MX Purple RGB present distinct options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and a lightweight design, providing a mild, muted, and feathery feel that appeals to those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. This switch is ideal for users seeking a soft touch, whether for extended typing sessions or a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are designed for tactile feedback, featuring a short bump that offers a medium-strength response, crafted in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This tactile sensation not only enhances the typing experience but also gives users a satisfying confirmation with each keystroke, making it an attractive choice for gamers and typists alike who enjoy pronounced feedback. Both switches offer unique advantages, making them suitable for various users; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Cherry MX Purple RGB both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which speaks to the classic nature of this material in keyboard switch design. Nylon's ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile is a significant characteristic shared between these two models. This is primarily due to nylon's softer plastic properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a muted, rounder auditory experience during use, making them excellent choices for those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
While the housing materials for both the Light Cloud V2 and Cherry MX Purple RGB are identical—each constructed entirely from nylon—they provide unique tactile experiences when pressed. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, both switches will have a similar auditory profile, but the user may still perceive nuances based on the overall design and actuation mechanisms integrated into each switch. The shared nylon composition underpins a comparable performance, but ergonomics and user experience may vary beyond just the material similarities.
Furthermore, the differentiation between the top and bottom housings becomes crucial in understanding the overall functionality of these switches. In both cases, the nylon top housing will influence the release sound as the key is lifted, while the bottom housing will dictate the sound and feel when pressed down. As such, typing on these switches will yield similar profound sound characteristics due to the shared nylon properties, but there may be distinctions in tactile feedback that stem from each switch's individual design and construction. Ultimately, despite their common material foundation, user's experiences could differ based on the unique attributes of each switch beyond just their nylon housings.
Weight
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that users can expect a similar keystroke responsiveness with both switches. However, the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the switch all the way down, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience compared to the MX Purple RGB, for which the bottom out force is unspecified. As a result, the Light Cloud V2 is considered the heavier switch due to its higher bottom out force, while the MX Purple RGB lacks definitive weight characteristics beyond its actuation force. Users seeking a lighter typing experience may find the two switches equally responsive at actuation, but the distinct bottom out characteristics of the Light Cloud V2 could lead to fatigue during prolonged use for those who prefer less force. In contrast, the heavier bottom out of the Light Cloud V2 might appeal to those who favor a more tactile and substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Light Cloud V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a shorter actuation distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick response times. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing keys, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 is characterized as having a muted and neutral audio profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional clacky switches. This muted quality minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an appealing choice for quieter environments, whether at home or work. The neutral sound, coupled with its moderate actuation force, further enhances its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not provide sound descriptions, leading to the impression that its acoustic qualities remain unspecified, yet it may likely produce a more pronounced sound due to its tactile nature.
In terms of feel, the Light Cloud V2 offers a mild and easy-to-press experience, which is ideal for those who prefer a gentle and less taxing typing action. With its lightweight actuation, users will find typing to be largely effortless, reducing finger fatigue during extended use—perfect for gaming, work, or study. The feathery switch profile allows for minimal resistance, making it a comfortable choice for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, developed with a tactile bump in mind, suggests a more textured typing experience; however, as no specific details about its feel were provided, it remains unclear how it may compare to the Light Cloud V2.
In summary, the TTC Light Cloud V2 excels as a silent and gentle switch, offering a refined typing experience ideal for users who value a more subdued sound and a feather-light feel. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB's characteristics lean towards a tactile experience, the absence of detailed sound and feel descriptions makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Overall, users can expect that both switches will cater to different preferences, with the Light Cloud V2 prioritizing a quiet and comfortable typing environment, while the MX Purple may satisfy those seeking tactile feedback, albeit with less clarity on its acoustical generation.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you gravitate towards a quieter and softer typing experience that minimizes distractions—be it in a shared workspace or during late-night gaming sessions—the Light Cloud V2 is an excellent fit. Its muted sound profile and easy-to-press nature make it ideal for long hours of typing without causing finger fatigue. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile feedback for a more pronounced typing experience and appreciate the satisfaction of feeling the actuation with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch might be more suitable for you. Its medium-strength bump, though it lacks specific sound descriptors, is designed for those who relish a more engaging typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a quiet, gentle feel or a tactile and responsive experience in your mechanical keyboard.
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