Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 50g present intriguing options for users seeking linear performance while also catering to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its super light 37g actuation force, which not only facilitates effortless keystrokes but also delivers a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a playful and responsive feel. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g, while also a linear switch, offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 50g and a smooth, clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a more robust typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile response, but their varying actuation forces and sound characteristics set them apart in the world of mechanical keyboards. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, distinct differences emerge in their top housing. The Dareu Aqua uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes the Aqua particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate effectively showcases illumination. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Consequently, users of the Aqua may experience brighter acoustic feedback, while Cloud - 50g users will likely enjoy a more subdued auditory experience.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, aligning them more closely in this regard. With both using nylon, the bottom housing characteristics—related to the bottom-out sound and feel—will offer a fuller auditory experience due to the material’s inherent sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, both switches might contribute a similar depth of sound during key actuation. This commonality emphasizes that while there are notable differences in sound profiles attributable to the top housing materials, users can expect a consistent impact on the tactile feedback and sound profile when the key is pressed down, due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing.
Overall, the differences between the two switches lie primarily in the sound experience shaped by their top housings, while both switches converge in their bottom housing material. The polycarbonate top of the Dareu Aqua creates a bright sound ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the nylon top of the HMX Cloud - 50g appeals to those who prefer a warmer, more enveloping sound. However, both switches deliver a deep and full sound during key presses due to their nylon bottom housings, ensuring that despite their differences, users of both switches can find a satisfying tactile and acoustic experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, which can be advantageous for both workplace settings and long gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch has a higher actuation force of 42 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. The bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unknown, while the Cloud switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Cloud switch could produce a more defined tactile experience as the key press is completed. Overall, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter option, ideal for those seeking reduced finger fatigue, whereas the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a heftier typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This 0.1 mm difference positions the Aqua as the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. Gamers seeking faster response times might gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance speed during gameplay. However, for those who prefer a more substantial, deeper keypress, the Aqua's 4 mm travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver an effective typing experience, the Aqua provides a more traditional feel, while the Cloud - 50g offers a slight edge in responsiveness.
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 - 50g 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 - 50g 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
The Dareu Aqua linear switch produces a sound profile that combines a chirpy quality with a clacky resonance, resulting in a unique auditory experience. The chirpy aspect gives it a slight squeak, which adds character and individuality to each keystroke, while the clacky nature produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound with every press. This combination makes the Aqua well-suited for users who enjoy an engaging type feel, adding a lively atmosphere to any typing session. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is characterized by a straightforward clacky response, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a clear and distinct auditory feedback without the chirpiness. However, the sound quality can vary depending on the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps used, which means both switches can offer potentially similar results if paired with the right setup.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switches shine with extremely light actuation force at 37g, making them remarkably easy to press. This gentle resistance provides an effortless typing experience that significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. The switches are described as both easy-to-press and feathery, creating a highly responsive and low-impact tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch requires a higher actuation force of 50g, which may provide a different tactile sensation favoring those who prefer a firmer feedback while typing. However, detailed qualitative descriptions of the Cloud switch's feel are unavailable, which leaves some uncertainty regarding its texture in comparison to the Aqua.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch excels in offering a light, chirpy, and clacky typing experience characterized by its low actuation force and unique sound profile. The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, while also clacky, caters to a different preference with its firmer 50g actuation force. Both switches can deliver engaging typing experiences, but their qualities diverge in sound and feel, making them suitable for different types of users. Depending on your typing style and auditory preferences, either switch could potentially fit well within your setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter touch and is looking for a switch that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions, the Aqua would likely serve you well. Its super light 37g actuation force, coupled with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, makes it an excellent choice for casual typing, gaming, or even creative work where rapid key presses are required. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile response and want to experience a more robust clacky sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g might be your ideal fit. Its 50g actuation force strikes a balance between a light feel and a more substantial keystroke, providing a lively typing experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Whether you lean towards the effortless yet distinctive characteristics of the Aqua or the solid and smooth feel of the Cloud - 50g, both switches offer unique advantages that enhance your overall typing experience.
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