HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Master both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a heavier linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and bright typing experience, making it the ideal choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a silky smooth feel while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch provides a medium weight option with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, appealing to users looking for a polished typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Master both offer unique sound profiles, with the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Master's POM top housing. Both materials are described as creating a relatively muted sound, but the nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM in the Master creates a unique and pleasing sound on the deeper side, offering a different tactile experience for users.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon and the Master's POM materials continue to offer deeper and fuller sound profiles, with the nylon once again absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Similarly, the POM bottom housing in the Master offers an incredibly pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, providing users with a more muted typing experience compared to other harder plastics.
When both top and bottom housings are considered for a switch, the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite slight differences in the sound profiles between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Master, both housing materials offer a unique typing experience with their deep and muted sound profiles, catering to users who prefer a quieter and softer typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch differ significantly. The Cloud - 63.5g switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Master's 45 grams, making it the heavier option. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g switch matches its actuation force at 63.5 grams, providing a consistent and medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Dareu Master switch is unknown, leaving us without a clear comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Dareu Master switch due to its lower actuation force, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch for its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Master's 3.4 mm. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a slightly deeper key press experience, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Master offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both options cater to different preferences, with the choice ultimately depending on whether one prioritizes depth or quickness in their typing experience.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, both are known for their clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. The Cloud - 63.5g has a high-pitched tone, while the Master switch offers a classic clacky sound signature. Due to individual preferences, some users may find the brighter sound of the HMX Cloud more appealing, while others may prefer the more traditional clack of the Master switch.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback with a smooth, buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch provides a mild and polished feel, giving users a more gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Some users may enjoy the lively feel of the Cloud - 63.5g, while others may prefer the approachable qualities of the Dareu Master for a more refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a brighter, high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Dareu Master switch delivers a classic clacky sound with a mild and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, but users can expect a high-quality experience with either option. Pairing these switches with a compatible keyboard and keycaps will further enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring a satisfying result regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a heavier switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, as well as a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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