HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to distinct offerings like the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Sky V4, both linear switches catering to unique preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile and lighter, 50g actuation force, provides a bright, engaging typing experience that many typists adore. Its silky smooth feel makes it an appealing choice for those who value a comfortable and responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 showcases its innovative POK material in the top housing, delivering a deeper sound signature that offers a rich and satisfying experience. This switch’s thocky and bouncy characteristics cater to users looking for a more audible feedback while maintaining that smooth linear action. Ultimately, while both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, they do so through distinctly different sound profiles and tactile sensations. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Sky V4, significant differences emerge between the top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon, a classic material known for its softer composition, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, creating a more rounded auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs POK material, specifically designed to offer superior durability with a wear resistance that surpasses Nylon substantially. While nylon provides a rich sound characteristic, the POK material focuses on delivering a smoother tactile experience, promoting both a clacky and durable switch feel due to its relatively low coefficient of friction.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, show a noteworthy similarity as they both feature nylon. This shared material enables both switches to retain the same characteristic sound profile that is deeper and less sharp, as nylon's sound-absorbing properties significantly contribute to this auditory effect. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, meaning both the Cloud - 50g and Sky V4 will deliver a consistent deeper sound when bottoming out, thanks to their common material. This similarity ensures that despite the differences in their top housings, users of either switch will enjoy a familiar auditory experience at the base of the keystroke.
Ultimately, the differing top housings will lead to unique experiences in sound and feel depending on which switch is pressed. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top will result in a fuller, muffled sound when keys are released, while the clackiness of the POK top on the Sky V4 will provide a sharper acoustic feedback. While the nylon bottoms contribute similarly to the overall typing experience, the distinct characteristics of each top housing material create varied sensations and criteria to consider for users. This contrast highlights how the interaction between top and bottom materials can define the overall typing experience, allowing for a preference based on the user's desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, while both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation response, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, allowing for easier key presses, whereas the Sky V4 offers a firmer touch for users who enjoy that added resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness in gameplay, the Sky V4 may provide a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g offers a more pronounced depth, which some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: those who enjoy a shallower press for quicker actions should lean towards the Sky V4, whereas those who favor a deeper key press may prefer 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 V4 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 V4 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 - 50g switch delivers a clacky sound profile, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging audio experience during typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch boasts a more thocky and low-pitched sound signature, characterized by a rich and deep tone that resonates softly with each keystroke. This difference means that while the Cloud - 50g offers an energetic auditory feedback, the Sky V4 provides a more subdued but satisfying acoustic atmosphere, appealing to users who prefer a more mellow sound. However, it’s important to note that the final sound produced also depends on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth action, providing a seamless experience for typists who favor linear switches. This smoothness enhances typing efficiency and comfort, making it a joy to use for extended periods. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out with its bouncy feel, offering a lively sensation thanks to its spring-like feedback. This elastic response can invigorate the typing experience, providing a different tactile sensation that some users may find more enjoyable than the traditional smoothness of linear switches. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile responsiveness, allowing users to choose based on what they find most comfortable.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g leans more towards a bright and smooth auditory and tactile feedback, while the Sky V4 embraces a rich, low-pitched sound coupled with a bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should reflect the individual user's sound preference and typing style, as each switch can deliver a satisfying experience, albeit in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a bright, clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g is likely your best option. This switch is well-suited for enthusiasts who enjoy a quick and responsive typing experience, making it a great fit for gaming or typing tasks where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a slightly more substantial feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sky V4 could be your ideal match. Its deep, thocky sound and bouncy feedback create a rich typing experience that many find satisfying and enjoyable. The use of POK material also enhances its sound quality, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a deeper tone. In summary, choose the Cloud - 50g for a lighter, more vibrant typing experience, or go for the Sky V4 if you value a deeper sound and a responsive feel.
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