HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that they both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is loved for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation, providing a bright typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel distance, resulting in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the Gold Silver delivers a polished and low-pitched sound with a seamless blend of speed and fluidity. 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
1.40 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
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition. While the Cloud - 63.5g focuses on creating a rounder sound, the Gold Silver aims for a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This commonality ensures that the typing experience on both switches will have similar characteristics when it comes to sound. However, the differences lie in the top housings, where the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, while the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and more resonant sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Gold Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller tone may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g with its nylon housing, while individuals seeking a sharper, crisper sound may opt for the Gold Silver with its polycarbonate housing. Regardless of the housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience, showcasing how subtle differences in materials can result in distinct sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Silver switch is lighter in terms of actuation force with 45 grams compared to the 56 grams of the Cloud - 63.5g switch. However, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g switch is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Gold Silver switch has an unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g switch providing a more substantial feel due to its higher bottom out force, while the Gold Silver switch offers a lighter actuation force for those who prefer a more feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing style and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers may prefer the TTC Gold Silver for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be favored by those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 switch is described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound characteristics, creating a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a brighter and more crisp sound, the Gold Silver presents a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound profiles.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation with each key press. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver switch is highlighted for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle feel, offering a refined finish, exceptionally smooth typing experience, and gentle resistance. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, but the Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a livelier and more springy feel, while the Gold Silver focuses on refined and silky key travel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch and the TTC Gold Silver switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a bright and clacky sound paired with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gold Silver stands out with its thocky, low-pitched sound and polished, silky feel, delivering rapid responsiveness and smooth key travel for users seeking a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that will cater to different preferences in keyboard switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a bright, clacky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is the switch for you. On the other hand, if rapid responsiveness, a thocky sound profile, and a smooth typing experience are what you seek, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value the tactile experience and sound signature of the switch. Make your choice based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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