HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features for different types of users. The Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the KTT Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'High-pitched', offering users a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. 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
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Darling, it is evident that there is a significant difference in the materials used. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in materials leads to a noticeable contrast in sound quality between the two switches.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Darling provides a similar deep and full sound profile, the difference lies in the top housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Darling's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. The choice of housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Overall, the differences between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Darling result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate lead to varying sound qualities. Whether you prefer a deeper and softer sound profile with the Cloud - 63.5g or a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Darling will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the KTT Darling linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g is also heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Darling offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium weight range, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Darling has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The Cloud - 63.5g's 3.9 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it ideal for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, catering to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference regarding key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 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 - 63.5g and KTT Darling switches share similar characteristics. Both switches are described as providing a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, they both have a high-pitched sound when bottoming out, adding to the overall auditory experience. While the specific nuances of the sound may vary slightly, users can expect a bright and percussive sound from both switches, making them suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, with a bouncy feedback that provides a lively feel and rebound when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch is described as offering a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile feedback, albeit through slightly different means.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Darling switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch may cater more towards users looking for a bright typing experience and silky smooth feel, the Darling switch appeals to those seeking a chewy and substantial typing sensation with added bounce. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that can elevate the overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, in choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling switch might be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you desire.
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