HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it's essential to consider the specific characteristics of each that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. This switch falls under categories like 'Bouncy' and 'High-pitched', appealing to enthusiasts looking for a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive sound signature. With categories like 'Chirpy' and 'Neutral', this switch caters to users seeking a more versatile typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences; 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
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Holly, we see a clear difference in the materials used for the top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Holly features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The contrast between the two materials is evident in the sound produced when typing on switches - nylon offers a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Holly feature nylon material. This commonality means that typing on switches with either of these keyboards will result in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound profile in both cases. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures consistency in sound quality between the two keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience and sound produced. While the Cloud - 63.5g prioritizes a fuller and deeper sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housings, the Dareu Holly opts for a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of material selection in determining the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch. Ultimately, both keyboards offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing sound and experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have notable differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Holly has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force that is unknown. This makes the Cloud - 63.5g switch slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Holly may result in a smoother and faster typing experience, while the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g may provide a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is on the heavier side, which may suit users who prefer a stronger push feel, whereas the Holly switch offers a lighter typing experience that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Holly being slightly longer than the Cloud. Gamers may prefer the Cloud switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Holly switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance between these two switches may be minimal, and users are likely to have a similar typing experience with either option.
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 Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch features a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, delivering a balanced and distinctive sound signature that sets it apart from others in the market. Both switches offer something different in terms of auditory feedback, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether you prefer the sharpness of the Cloud - 63.5g or the distinctive blend of the Holly.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback combined with a smooth and buttery sensation when pressed. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feedback of the Dareu Holly switch is not available, making it hard to directly compare the two in terms of feel. However, based on the descriptions provided, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch seems to offer a more tactile and responsive typing experience compared to the Holly.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch each bring their unique sound and feel to the table. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Holly provides a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky elements that cater to users looking for a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a brighter and more tactile typing experience or a balanced and distinctive sound signature, both switches offer something unique for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced sound profile with a medium actuation force and unique chirpy elements, the Holly tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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