HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha provides a comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound, making it a favorite among users seeking a tactile typing experience. While these general descriptions provide a starting point for choosing a switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Matcha differ significantly in terms of sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Matcha's translucent polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Matcha, they both offer unique sound experiences based on their properties. While nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g creates a duller and rounder sound, polycarbonate in the Matcha contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. However, both materials offer their own advantages, with nylon providing a deeper typing experience and polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials would depend on personal preference in sound and feel.
One key point to consider when comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Matcha is how the top and bottom housings influence the overall typing experience. With different materials in each section, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of sound profiles adds a unique dimension to the typing experience of each switch, making them distinct in their own right.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch. The Cloud - 63.5g requires 56 grams of force to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch overall. In contrast, the Matcha switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Matcha switch will offer a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.9 mm compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch at 4 mm. While the 0.1 mm may seem negligible, it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Players looking for a faster response time may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g with its shorter travel distance, ideal for quick and precise keystrokes in gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the KTT Matcha with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and specific use cases.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, giving off a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch also offers a clacky sound profile but with a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. Both switches cater to users who enjoy a bright and percussive typing sound, so you can expect similar results in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth buttery experience. In contrast, the KTT Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, providing a more tactile and responsive typing feel. While the Cloud switch gives a lively and rebounding keystroke, the Matcha switch offers a more varied and dynamic tactile experience. Depending on your preference for tactility and responsiveness, either switch can cater to your specific needs.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound accompanied by a bouncy and creamy typing feel, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha switch delivers a clacky sound with a clean bottom-out due to its long pole stem, along with a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle tactile sensation for those who prefer a more dynamic typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a bouncy and creamy feel, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a snappy tactility, and a clean bottom-out sound, then the KTT Matcha switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure the most enjoyable experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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