HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch offering medium tactility with a lighter touch and a neutral sound signature. This makes it an excellent option for those looking for a balanced typing experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is stepped and neutral. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
The primary difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro lies in the material used for the top housing. While the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, the Violet Gold Pro opts for polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This variance in top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Violet Gold Pro use nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will boast a similar sound quality and typing experience influenced by the shared nylon bottom housing. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a familiar tactile response and acoustics regardless of the top housing material variation.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile, feel, and overall user experience. The Cloud - 63.5g with its nylon top and bottom housing offers a softer and fuller sound profile, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and sharper sound output. Both switches deliver unique typing experiences based on the properties of their respective housing materials, showcasing how even small variations can lead to significant differences in sound and tactile feedback. Whether it's the softer, more absorbent nylon of the Cloud - 63.5g or the stiffer, clearer polycarbonate of the Violet Gold Pro, users have the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their preferences with these distinct housing material choices.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams of force for full depression, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The Cloud - 63.5g is considered medium-heavy, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the difference in travel distance between the two switches may seem minimal, it can significantly impact the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, creating a sharp and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a more neutral sound signature, suitable for a variety of users and settings. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps, these descriptions give a good idea of the auditory qualities you can expect from each switch.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a lively and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch features a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subdued and structured feedback during typing. The choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key response and feedback during typing sessions.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. If you are looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a more balanced and neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a bright, clacky sound with a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a medium tactility, light touch, and neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the better option for you. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and typing style to determine which switch would best suit your needs and enhance your overall typing experience.
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