HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders emerge: the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Mahjong, both classified as linear switches yet offering distinctly different experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, providing a lighter touch ideal for enthusiasts who relishing a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel makes it appealing for those who prioritize responsiveness and an enjoyable acoustic feedback. On the other hand, Dareu's Mahjong switches stand out not only for their vibrant green and white color scheme but also for their lively, poppy sound signature that adds a playful dimension to typing. Users can expect an effortless typing experience with a unique blend of bounciness and polish that appeals to those who prioritize a balanced tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Cloud - 50g for those seeking a lighter, more acoustically engaging experience and the Mahjong for users desiring a fun and lively touch. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Mahjong switches, one can observe both distinctions and similarities that impact their overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong incorporates a polyketone (POK) top housing, which, while not as sound-absorbing as nylon, excels in terms of smoothness and strength. The POK material offers a slick typing experience thanks to its lower friction coefficient and higher resistances to wear and shock, which could lead to a more efficient clicking sound that is perceived as "clacky."
On the bottom housing front, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon, which reinforces the similarities in their typing experiences. Both switches utilize the classic nylon material, ensuring they share qualities that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since the bottom housing is crucial to determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, the use of nylon here means that users of both switches can expect a satisfying, well-rounded sound upon bottoming out. This commonality may lead to similar results in terms of sound when these switches are pressed, creating an auditory experience that feels comforting and familiar to users.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials create a nuanced experience between the two switches. While the nylon in the Cloud - 50g contributes to a more muted and sweet sound profile, the POK material of the Mahjong adds a sharper, crisper sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. However, the integration of nylon in both switches' bottom housing means that regardless of the top material, users will still experience a consistent and pleasant sound at the actuation point. Hence, while the materials contribute distinct characteristics to each switch's performance, their shared nylon bottom housing helps deliver a familiar and pleasing auditory result for all users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Cloud switch features a lower actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option ideal for users seeking a comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a slightly firmer push that some users might prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. While the Cloud switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating how much pressure is required to fully depress the key, the bottom out force for the Mahjong switch is unknown. This lack of information means we cannot directly compare the bottom out forces of the two switches. However, the HMX Cloud - 50g is definitively the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, appealing to those who favor a softer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mahjong offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Cloud switch provides a more pronounced keypress sensation, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mahjong switch caters to gamers and users seeking faster response times. For individuals who favor quick feedback from their keys, opting for the Mahjong could result in a more responsive experience. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a deeper feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, whereas the Dareu Mahjong is ideal for those who prefer a more immediate and streamlined action.
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 Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 offers a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter and more resonant typing experience. This acoustic characteristic can enhance feedback during typing, making it feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switches are noted for their lively, poppy sound signature, which adds a cheerful and energetic tone to each keystroke. This bouncy auditory experience can make typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that can be affected by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so you can expect a unique auditory environment irrespective of which option you choose.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is notable for its silky smooth operation, which creates a pleasurable tactile experience during use. This smoothness enhances the speed of typing while reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches offer a bouncy feel that provides a spring-like response with each press, delivering a lively sensation. Additionally, the Mahjong switches are characterized as mild and polished, resulting in a well-balanced typing experience. The combination of a gentle touch and refined finish contributes to a smooth key travel, making them approachable for users of varying preferences.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches hinges on your personal preferences in weight, sound, and tactile feedback. While the Cloud - 50g excels in delivering a clacky sound and a smooth feel, the Mahjong switches provide a poppy auditory experience with a bouncy, polished touch. Both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, but the nuances can cater to different styles and preferences. Whichever switch you choose, you can anticipate a keyboard experience that reflects your individual typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory enjoyment of typing, the Cloud - 50g is likely the right pick for you. This switch offers a silky smooth feel and is well-suited for those who appreciate a bright and dynamic typing experience, potentially making it ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize sound in their typing adventures. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that encapsulates a bouncy, lively feel with a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Mahjong may be more your speed. Its unique design and a polished typing experience cater to those who enjoy a playful and effortless key press, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, assess your preferences in terms of sound, tactile feedback, and the overall typing experience to determine which switch aligns more closely with your needs.
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