HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the pros and cons of different options to find their perfect fit. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is renowned for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation weight, making it an ideal choice for typists who crave a tactile and auditory experience with each keystroke. Its bouncy, creamy characteristics provide a distinct, satisfying feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced response. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 offers a more neutral sound signature and a medium-light weight, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and precision. This switch strikes a balance that caters to a wide range of typing preferences, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. While the HMX Cloud may draw you in with its vibrant auditory profile, the Sky V3's subdued nature provides a reliable performance that many users appreciate. 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V3, we see a notable contrast in their top housing compositions. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sky V3 is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, more resonant sound. This distinct difference in materials not only affects the tonal qualities of each switch but also speaks to the overall aesthetic; polycarbonate’s translucency makes it particularly suited for RGB applications, allowing for vibrant lighting effects that are less pronounced with the nylon housing of the Cloud - 63.5g.
Both models feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches will deliver that characteristic deeper and rounder sound profile, providing a consistent acoustic experience despite the variation in their top materials. This means that while users may appreciate the crisper sound from the Sky V3’s polycarbonate top, they will still benefit from the fullness of sound produced by the nylon bottom housing common across both switches. As a result, even with different materials in play for the top housing, the bottom housing’s influence ensures a cohesive auditory feel.
Thus, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V3 collaborate to yield different sound characteristics while offering similar benefits in terms of the bottom housing influence. The differentiation in top housing materials allows enthusiasts to select based on their desired sound profiles: whether one prefers the softer, warmer notes from the Cloud's nylon top or the sharper, brighter tones from the Sky's polycarbonate choice. In practice, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience; the nylon bottom provides a foundational robustness that ensures a consistent sound output regardless of the top housing's material, leading to a potentially unified yet varied user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Cloud features an actuation force of 56 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 has a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess its bottoming out characteristics in comparison to the Cloud’s confirmed bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Thus, while the HMX Cloud is the heavier option overall, the Sky V3’s lighter actuation force lends itself to a more effortless keystroke, appealing to users who prioritize speed and comfort over feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the differences become quite apparent. The Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sky V3 measures slightly longer at 4.0 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud the shorter of the two options, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel suited for rapid key presses, such as in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate deeper key presses. Thus, if you prefer quicker responsiveness, you'll find the Cloud switch to be advantageous, while the Sky V3 may suit those who favor a more pronounced key actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 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 it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a vibrant, clacky profile that is characterized by sharp and high-pitched tones. This makes it a good choice for those who enjoy an expressive and lively typing experience, allowing each keystroke to stand out with a bright, percussive sound. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch presents a neutral and subdued sound signature, striking a balance that is suitable for a variety of environments. Its moderate tone is less intrusive, making it an excellent option for office settings or quieter spaces where the clicky sounds of the Cloud might be overly stimulating.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is marked by a bouncy and creamy sensation, providing that delightful spring-like feedback paired with a silky smoothness. This quality not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a pleasurable typing flow as your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 offers a milder feel, which creates a gentle typing experience that's accessible to a wide range of users. Its moderate feedback allows for comfortable typing, albeit without the same level of excitement that the Cloud switch provides.
Overall, both switches cater to different types of typing preferences and situations. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g shines with its vibrant sound and engaging tactile feedback, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate pronounced sensory experiences. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky V3 serves as a versatile option, with a balanced sound and gentle feel that meets the needs of both casual users and professionals alike. Your choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer an expressive and lively typing experience or a more subdued and approachable one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a heavier switch with a clacky sound profile and enjoy a lively, bouncy feel during your typing sessions, the Cloud - 63.5g is likely the ideal choice for you. Its high-pitched sound can add an engaging auditory experience, making it perfect for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who relish a bright and percussive feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral sound and a medium-light weight that suits both typing and gaming, the Dareu Sky V3 would be a better fit. Its subdued sound signature and mild feel offer a balanced typing experience that caters well to both casual use and professional environments. In essence, if you seek a vibrant and tactile response, opt for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, while the Dareu Sky V3 is your go-to for comfort and versatility across various settings.
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