HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Dream both stand out as appealing linear options for different reasons. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile, offers a lighter touch that caters to enthusiasts who revel in a bright and engaging typing experience, all while providing a silky smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their ease of use and incredible affordability, making them an attractive choice for those who prioritize quality without breaking the bank. While the Cloud - 50g wraps its users in a vibrant auditory embrace, the Dream emphasizes a budget-friendly yet satisfying experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Dream, there are notable differences that affect the overall sound and aesthetic profile of each switch. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. This characteristic allows the material to absorb sound more effectively, generating a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Dareu Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic known for its capacity to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a more resonant and clear auditory experience from the Dream, especially given its translucent quality that enhances RGB lighting effects.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which is a classic choice that ensures a consistent performance in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both the Cloud - 50g and the Dream means that regardless of the disparity in the top housing materials, the typing experience will feature a similarly rich and full-bodied sound when pressing down on the keys. As both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housing, users will notice that while they may experience variations in the acoustic feedback when releasing a key—attributable to the difference in top materials—the initial feel and sound upon bottoming out will echo a deeper quality due to the nylon's inherent properties.
Overall, the distinct top housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles when typing on the switches. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top offers a mellow and rounded auditory experience, whereas the Dream’s polycarbonate top excels in providing clarity and brightness. Yet, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches ultimately deliver a cohesive and satisfying typing experience when pressed, underscoring how the interaction between the two materials shapes sound dynamics throughout different stages of key actuation. Thus, while each switch delivers a unique auditory signature at the top of the key travel, users will enjoy an underlying consistency in sound and feel courtesy of the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch present differing tactile experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a relatively light switch overall, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dareu Dream has a slightly lighter actuation force at 40 grams, yet its bottom out force remains unknown. This indicates that while the Dream may provide a marginally less strenuous feel during normal typing, the uncertainty of how far down it presses could lead to varied user experiences. Consequently, the Cloud - 50g is the heavier of the two when it comes to the bottom out force. Users seeking a lighter and more effortless experience may gravitate towards the Dareu Dream, while those preferring a more substantial feel with a clear actuation and defined bottoming out might opt for the HMX Cloud switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dream switch has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing the key compared to the Cloud - 50g. For users who prefer quick responses, the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 50g may be more appealing, as it allows for faster execution of commands. Conversely, the Dareu Dream's greater travel distance may be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Thus, in choosing between these two switches, the selection largely depends on individual preferences regarding key responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g for $2.99.
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a clacky sound profile, which enhances the typing experience with a bright and engaging quality. This clackiness contributes to a lively atmosphere, making each keystroke feel sharp and snappy. On the other hand, while the Dareu Dream switch is also characterized as clacky, it produces a sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, similar to that of the Cloud - 50g. However, the overall sound experience can still vary based on the keyboard's construction and keycap material, meaning users might find subtle differences in the auditory feedback they receive from each switch.
As for the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smoothness, providing a pleasurable and fluid typing experience. This smooth action may appeal to typists who prioritize effortless keystrokes. The Dareu Dream, in contrast, is defined by its easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force for activation, making it particularly user-friendly and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Furthermore, the Dream switches are described as mild, delivering a gentle and approachable typing experience that sits comfortably within the spectrum of mechanical switch characteristics. Overall, both switches cater to users who appreciate a softer touch, although the Cloud - 50g might offer a smoother sensation, while the Dream emphasizes ease and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Dareu Dream linear switches offer appealing qualities for keyboard enthusiasts, with their clacky sound profiles enhancing the typing experience. The Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth feel, while the Dareu Dream excels in providing an easy-to-press action and a mild typing experience. However, despite their differences in tactile experience, users can expect a generally satisfying performance from both options. Ultimately, personal preference regarding typing feel and sound will guide one's choice, but both switches present themselves as solid contenders for anyone exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it largely depends on your preferences regarding weight, sound, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a brighter, more expressive typing environment and prefer the tactile feedback of a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g switch is an excellent choice for you, especially if you appreciate a smooth keystroke with a light bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch will enhance your typing experience, making it feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability and a gentle typing experience, the Dareu Dream switch shines with its easy-to-press action. Being lighter and offering a mild response, it excels for long typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue, ideal for casual users or those who might not require the more pronounced characteristics of the Cloud switch. Ultimately, weigh these factors against your own typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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