HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is best known for its clacky sound profile and smooth feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4, also a linear switch, stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action. While the Cloud - 63.5g is characterized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, the Sky V4 is categorized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. Knowing these general characteristics can help you make an initial decision based on your preferred 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V4, we see that the Cloud uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Sky V4 utilizes POK for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to provide a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POK material in the Sky V4 offers a smooth typing experience with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, making it one of the smoothest materials available. Additionally, POK is exceptionally strong and durable, surpassing Nylon in both wear and shock resistance.
While both the Cloud and Sky V4 utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the top housing materials differ between the two switches. This discrepancy means that the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience and sound profile for each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience of a switch. While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their use of nylon in the housing, the Sky V4's POK material adds an element of smoothness and durability that sets it apart from the Cloud - 63.5g. Whether it be the clacky and durable nature of the Sky V4 or the softer, rounder sound of the Cloud, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that they have notable differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams, making it the heavier option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Sky V4 needs 55 grams, indicating that the latter is the lighter option. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may become a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, with the Cloud - 63.5g being slightly longer than the Sky V4. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Sky V4 a popular choice for gaming. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 V4 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 V4 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich tone that complements its smooth linear action for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be more suitable for users who enjoy a brighter and crisper sound, while the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. Additionally, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is also noted for its creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes and a silky sensation. With both switches offering a bouncy feel, typists can expect a responsive and tactile experience that enhances their typing performance.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Dareu Sky V4 switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a bouncy feel, delivering a deep and rich typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both options offer a quality typing experience that will likely satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound profile with a medium-light bottom out force, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch would be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Happy typing!
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