HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it becomes apparent that both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for enthusiasts who crave a bright typing experience with its bouncy and clacky sound profile, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro suits those who appreciate subtle feedback and a subdued sound profile for a truly immersive typing session. Each switch has its strengths, with the HMX Cloud offering a silky smooth feel and the Gold Brown Pro providing a gentle tactile bump. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches lies in the top housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically speaking, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing element that the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g lacks.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Gold Brown Pro switches use nylon. This choice of material for the bottom housing contributes to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. This similarity in housing material for the bottom housing suggests that the overall typing experience may not differ significantly between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches will largely depend on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the ability to showcase RGB lighting through the clear polycarbonate top housing may be a deciding factor for users who value aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards. However, the consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the top housing material chosen.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Cloud - 63.5g switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro's 45 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g switch is 63.5 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This shows that the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, as they both require light to medium pressure to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a quick response time, with the Cloud - 63.5g providing a tad more depth in keypress. Gamers looking for a quicker response may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who prefer a bit more feedback and depth in their keystrokes may opt for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving off a sharp and snappy noise with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides a more subdued and neutral sound, described as thocky and low-pitched, offering a deep and mellow tone. If you enjoy a bright, percussive sound, the Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go, while the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a more understated and quiet typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g delivers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, characterized by a spring-like feedback and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky feel, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g catering to those who prefer a lively and buttery feel, while the Gold Brown Pro suits individuals seeking a subtle and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a bouncy, creamy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value a thocky, low-pitched sound with a polished, silky feel, the Gold Brown Pro is the switch for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are someone who enjoys a brighter, more pronounced typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, a subdued sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and level of tactility.
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