HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Dareu Firefly, a tactile switch. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it perfect for enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly offers a different experience with a quiet and light actuation, providing just a hint of clickiness without the traditional loud sound associated with clicky switches. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, the Dareu Firefly is characterized by its easy-to-press and chirpy nature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Firefly offer distinct characteristics that significantly impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Firefly utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. The aesthetic appeal also differs, with the translucent polycarbonate allowing for RGB lighting effects, while the opaque nylon provides a classic look.
On the other hand, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Firefly feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches. Despite this similarity in bottom housing material, the differences in the top housings still lead to distinct sound profiles between the two switches. While the switches share similarities in terms of the bottom housing material, the contrasting characteristics of the top housings contribute to their individual sound profiles and overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g and Dareu Firefly both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate respectively result in significant differences in sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Firefly produces a clearer and more resonant sound. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall performance and user experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Firefly requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it a lighter option for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Firefly is unknown. This indicates that the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel when bottoming out. Ultimately, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Firefly switch, providing users with a different typing experience depending on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dareu Firefly. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the preferred option, while the Firefly may provide a slightly deeper keypress sensation due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a chirpy sound, which sets it apart with a unique acoustic signature. If you prefer a brighter and more percussive sound, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the choice for you, while the Firefly provides a quieter typing experience with just a hint of clickiness.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Firefly switch is described as easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue. If you enjoy a lively and elastic feedback while typing, the Cloud - 63.5g would be a suitable option, whereas the Firefly offers a more effortless and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is ideal for those seeking a bright and sharp typing experience with a bouncy and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly switch caters to individuals looking for a quieter typing experience with a light actuation force and easy-to-press keys. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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