HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Silent Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant typing experience, the TTC Silent Red provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, while the TTC Silent Red is buttery, mild, muted, and polished. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, catering to different preferences and environments. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the TTC Silent Red differ significantly in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding to its visual appeal.
While the top housing materials of the two switches differ, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Silent Red feature nylon bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a similar duller and rounder sound experience regardless of the switch's top housing material. The presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures consistency in sound quality across different aspects of typing, enhancing the overall user experience.
When considering switches with differing top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note how each component contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed. This division of qualities enhances the tactile experience for users, providing a unique blend of characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether nylon or polycarbonate, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch, contributing to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that they both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. However, the actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Red, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the TTC Silent Red switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red may be the better option, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the HMX Cloud - 63.5g with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the TTC Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience and can cater to different preferences, but the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted sound that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. With the Silent Reds, you can expect a more subtle and gentle typing sound compared to the more pronounced and bright sound of the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Reds would be the better choice, while the Cloud - 63.5g is perfect for those who enjoy a more distinct and lively sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation as you type. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a seamless and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to those who prefer a slightly more tactile and bouncy feel, while the Silent Red switch caters to those who appreciate a smoother and more uniform keypress.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and TTC Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel, making it a suitable choice for users looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, you should consider the specific preferences and needs you have for your keyboard experience. If you are an enthusiast who enjoys a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces like an office or living area, the TTC Silent Red switch with its muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel that align best with your personal preferences and environment.
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