HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Snow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow, also a linear switch, stands out with its innovative use of POK material for a smoother feel and deeper sound signature. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a silky smooth typing experience, the Snow provides a more neutral and low-pitched sound. These general pointers highlight the key differences between the two switches, but to make the best decision for your needs, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Snow, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. This means that when typing on switches that use nylon top housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. However, the Snow's POK top housing stands out for its exceptional durability and smoothness, offering a unique typing experience that may differ slightly from the Cloud's nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, it is interesting to note that both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Snow use nylon for this component as well. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when pressing down on the switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing properties.
Overall, while both switches share similar features in terms of their housing materials, the Dareu Snow stands out for its POK top housing, which offers superior durability, smoothness, and shock resistance compared to the Cloud's nylon top housing. However, as both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Snow will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that users are looking for.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, which is slightly higher than the Snow's 60 grams. This makes the Snow switch lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, but the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly firmer push feel due to its higher actuation force. Overall, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing experience – whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel while typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Snow switch the shorter option and the Cloud switch the longer one. The Cloud switch's 3.9 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Snow switch's 3.3 mm travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Snow switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Cloud switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 typing experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deeper and more bass-heavy tone when typing. If you prefer a brighter and more percussive sound, the Cloud - 63.5g would be the way to go, while the Snow switch will give you a more satisfying and rich sound.
In terms of feel, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Snow switches offer a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback when typing. Additionally, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as having a creamy and smooth feel, offering a silky sensation with each keystroke. The Dareu Snow switch's feel is not specifically described, but its innovative use of POK material for the top housing and stem likely provides a unique typing experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Dareu Snow switches differ in sound characteristics, they both offer a bouncy typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a creamy feel or a thocky, low-pitched sound with an unknown feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, trying out both switches on your own keyboard setup is the best way to determine which one you prefer for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider the sound and feel preferences that are most important to you. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky and neutral sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which typing experience aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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