Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press and feels feathery. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that offers a heavier 63.5g actuation force, resulting in a clacky sound profile that is bouncy, creamy, and high-pitched. While both switches offer distinct typing experiences, each with its own set of characteristics, it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your individual typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, polycarbonate emphasizes clarity while nylon provides a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Aqua and the Cloud - 63.5g employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both switches will offer a similar sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. While the top and bottom housings of the Aqua differ in material, both housings of the Cloud - 63.5g are made of nylon, ensuring a consistent sound profile across the entire switch.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate top housing for a crisper sound and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound may appeal to those looking for a balance between clarity and depth. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may offer a more uniform sound experience for those who prefer a deeper and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown, while the Cloud - 63.5g has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Dareu Aqua due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance if they choose the switch that aligns with their desired actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The Aqua's travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, while the Cloud - 63.5g's 3.9 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Dareu Aqua. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may be subtle, and both switches could provide similar results depending on the user's preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a light and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a clacky sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing sound. Both switches offer a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, but the Aqua tends to have a lighter and more distinctive chirpy tone compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth typing experience. While both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, the Aqua's emphasis on light actuation force may appeal more to those looking for a gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch both offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. With the Aqua offering a lighter touch and distinctive chirpy sound, and the Cloud - 63.5g providing a bright and clacky typing experience, users can choose based on their desired sound profile and typing feel preferences. It's important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and intended use when selecting between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you enjoy a super light touch with a unique chirpy sound, the Dareu Aqua switch with its 37g actuation force could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a clacky and bright typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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