HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the KTT Orange both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The HMX 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 Orange switches are praised for their bouncy feel, low-pitched sound profile, and excellent factory-lubing for a frictionless typing experience. Both switches fall under the 'Bouncy' category, but the HMX Cloud - 63.5g leans towards a high-pitched sound while the KTT Orange provides a low-pitched sound. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Orange both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material absorbing more sound. In contrast, the KTT Orange features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a duller and rounder sound, the Orange provides a more clear and resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
One key difference between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Orange is the material used for their top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Orange allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it a more visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboards. Overall, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and aesthetics of the switch.
Although the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Orange have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the softer, fuller sound of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g or the crisper, resonant sound of polycarbonate in the KTT Orange, both switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Orange switch is the lighter option with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. The lighter actuation force of the Orange switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a smoother typing experience, while the heavier actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g switch may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Orange switch has the shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance, making them suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, giving users a sharp and percussive typing experience that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Depending on personal preference and other factors like keycaps and keyboard build, users can choose between the sharper sound of the Cloud - 63.5g or the deeper tone of the KTT Orange switch.
In terms of feel, both the Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Orange switches provide a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback that offers a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its creamy and smooth typing experience, while the KTT Orange switch boasts a frictionless feel that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid key travel. Whether users prefer the buttery sensation of the Cloud - 63.5g or the effortless typing experience of the KTT Orange switch, both options offer a comfortable and responsive feel for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and KTT Orange switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound and a slick, frictionless typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, users can select the switch that best suits their needs, knowing that both options guarantee a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the KTT Orange linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a bright typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch could be more suited to your tastes. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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