HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g is a standout choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a lighter touch and a bright, clacky sound profile. With its silky smooth feel, this switch offers a delightful blend of responsiveness and auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch takes a unique approach by utilizing premium POM material to deliver a buttery, creamy, and low-pitched sound, making it an excellent option for those seeking a high-quality switch without breaking the bank. The Sky POM's gentle actuation force complements its exceptional smoothness, catering to users who prioritize comfort in extended use. While both switches share a linear design and a clacky sound, their materials and tactile experiences set them apart. 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
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
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
POM
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 HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Sky POM, the most striking similarity lies in their bottom housing material. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for its sound-dampening qualities. This shared material contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of both switches. The nylon base absorbs sound effectively due to its softer composition, offering a rounder and more muted acoustic experience. Thus, regardless of the aesthetic differences or brand preferences, users will likely encounter a similar auditory experience with the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches, making them both viable options for those seeking a satisfying typing experience.
However, the materials used in the top housings of the two switches diverge, which presents an interesting contrast. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, while the Sky POM opts for POM, a material known for its unique sound profile. Although nylon ensures a rich and muted audio experience, the POM's properties can result in slightly different tonal quality, as POM tends to offer a distinct auditory clarity. Users can expect a more enjoyable sound experience with POM, which may enhance the overall feel of the switch during key releases. Consequently, the top housing material can significantly influence the character of each switch, leading to subtle differences that enthusiasts might keenly appreciate.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches still provide a relatively muted auditory experience that benefits from the characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing. Users of the HMX Cloud - 50g may find their typing sound to be deeper and rounder because of the nylon's properties, while the Dareu Sky POM's unique POM top housing still retains the pleasing sound quality established by its nylon base. In essence, both switches can deliver an enjoyable sound profile, albeit through different material attributes in the tops, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottoms ensures that the foundational acoustic experience remains similar, resulting in satisfying and nuanced typing sessions across both options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see notable distinctions. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a relatively light switch that is suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sky POM offers a lower actuation force of 40 grams, which also contributes to a lighter feel, although its bottom out force remains unknown. Consequently, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Cloud - 50g is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force, making it slightly more substantial in feel. Users seeking a more effortless typing experience may prefer either switch, but the Sky POM’s unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall feedback during heavy usage. Overall, the Cloud - 50g may be more suitable for those valuing a definitive response during keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Cloud - 50g features a distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sky POM measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This distinction means that the Cloud - 50g provides a bit more depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM's shorter travel distance can result in a quicker response time, making it potentially better suited for gamers who favor faster actuation. Ultimately, both switches harness the benefits of linear designs, but the Cloud - 50g's 3.9 mm distance offers a slightly deeper experience compared to the 3.8 mm of the Sky POM. If users seek a more responsive keypress, they would benefit from the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM, while those who enjoy a fuller keystroke might opt for the Cloud - 50g.
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 Sky POM 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 POM for $4.98.
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 - 50g switch delivers a clacky sound profile that provides an engaging auditory feedback for users who thrive on an expressive typing experience. This lively sound can be quite appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter and more resonant feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch also boasts a clacky sound, but it is characterized as being low-pitched. This gives the Sky POM a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched clacks of the Cloud - 50g. Despite the differences, both switches will exhibit their unique sound characteristics, which can also be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its silky smoothness, providing a pleasant typing experience that appeals to many users. In comparison, the Dareu Sky POM switch excels with its buttery, creamy, and silky sensation. The buttery quality of the Sky POM results in a fluid keystroke experience that feels almost effortless, while the creamy aspect suggests a super smooth transition with a silky sensation that makes typing feel like gliding fingers over the keys. Overall, while both switches prioritize smoothness, the Sky POM’s additional attributes create an exceptionally seamless typing experience that may be particularly attractive for those who prioritize a fluid feel.
In summary, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Dareu Sky POM switches share a clacky sound profile, they do differ in tonal qualities, with the Cloud - 50g leaning towards a brighter sound and the Sky POM presenting a mellow, bass-heavy tone. When it comes to feel, the silky smoothness of the Cloud - 50g is commendable; however, the Sky POM stands out with its buttery, creamy, and silky sensation, offering a more luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both provide enjoyable and distinct typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a brighter, more clacky typing sensation, then the Cloud - 50g, with its 50g bottom-out force, is ideal for you. This switch will cater to enthusiasts looking for a vivid and engaging auditory experience while providing a silky smooth feel that enhances typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you seek a premium typing experience at an accessible price, the Sky POM switch might be the better option. Despite its unknown bottom-out force, it boasts a low-pitched sound profile and is crafted entirely from POM material, which contributes to its buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel. This makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or for those who favor a more mellow sound. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prefer the lively feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the smooth, premium experience offered by the Sky POM.
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