HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Snow, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lighter action and bright, clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for typists who prefer a more vibrant and engaging typing experience, combined with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Dareu Snow boasts an innovative design utilizing POK material, resulting in a deeper sound signature that offers a unique and satisfying "thocky" response, perfect for those seeking a more subdued auditory feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke. Each switch has its unique attributes tailored to different typing styles—whether you want the lively feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the mellow tones of the Snow, both can offer a satisfying experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When considering the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Snow, we observe distinct differences in their top housing compositions. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material well-regarded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This leads to a sound that is more muted and rounded, as nylon effectively absorbs acoustic energy. In contrast, the Snow’s top housing is made of POK, a polyketone material known for its smoothness and exceptional durability. While both materials contribute to the acoustic characteristics of their respective switches, the Cloud - 50g leans towards a softer sound profile, whereas the Snow is engineered for a smooth, clacky feel that enhances tactile feedback.
Both the Cloud - 50g and the Snow utilize nylon for their bottom housings, aligning their performance in this aspect. The inherent qualities of nylon as a housing material bring about similar acoustic results, as both switches benefit from the same sound-absorbing properties. This mutual use of nylon ensures that the switches deliver a deep and rich acoustic experience when bottoming out. However, the duality of their top housings means that while they might share a similar auditory experience from the bottom, the overall character of the switch is distinctly influenced by the different materials used in their top housings—nylon contributing to a more subdued output in the Cloud - 50g and POK offering a sharper, more pronounced sound in the Snow.
Overall, the combined effects of the materials selected for the top and bottom housings play a critical role in defining the user experience for both switches. The Cloud - 50g, with its nylon top and bottom housings, provides a consistent, warm sound profile that prioritizes acoustic softness. In contrast, the Dareu Snow stands out with its durable POK top housing, which enhances smoothness and durability while retaining the sonic qualities of nylon at the bottom. Therefore, although both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials lead to contrasting auditory and tactile experiences, demonstrating how the choice of materials can dramatically alter the performance characteristics of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that can affect user experience. The Cloud - 50g has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users looking for ease of typing during extended sessions, such as at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dareu Snow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, it is essential to note that, due to the heavier characteristics of the Snow switch, it is not as suited for prolonged use compared to the lighter Cloud switch, which can lead to less finger fatigue over time. Overall, the Cloud switch is lighter, offering a softer touch, while the Snow switch is heavier, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Snow switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Dareu Snow linear switch the more responsive option, catering well to gamers who seek quicker response times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who favor a deeper tactile experience when pressing keys. Therefore, if one prefers a more abrupt feel for rapid gaming, the Snow is the better choice, but if a hearty depth is desired, the Cloud - 50g is the optimal pick.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, which contributes to a bright and engaging typing experience. This makes it appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch offers a deeper sound signature thanks to its use of POK material, resulting in a thocky sound that provides a rich, satisfying auditory feedback. The Snow’s low-pitched tone adds a mellow vibe, which can be more enjoyable for users looking for a less intrusive typing sound. It's important to note, however, that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard's design, keycap profile, and material choices.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smoothness that enhances the typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation that delivers a lively feedback upon pressing. This bouncy feel gives users a sense of rebound, making it engaging, especially for those who enjoy a more dynamic tactile experience. Although the two switches cater to different preferences, smoothness versus bounce, both can facilitate quick and efficient typing.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Dareu Snow linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited for varying preferences. The Cloud - 50g offers a clacky and bright sound with a smooth feel, while the Snow provides a deeper, thocky sound along with a lively and bouncy sensation. Depending on individual preferences, either option can offer an enjoyable typing experience, and users anticipating a balance of emotional engagement and practical performance may find that both switches deliver unique merits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding force, sound, and typing experience. If you lean toward a lighter touch with a 50g actuation force, the Cloud switch is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a clacky sound profile that provides a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel makes it ideal for typing enthusiasts who want a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a 60g actuation requirement and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound signature, the Snow switch may be your best bet. Its unique POK material construction offers a bouncy feel that adds a sense of rebound to every keystroke, making it particularly satisfying for those who prioritize a more grounded auditory feedback during typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual typing style, sound preferences, and whether you seek a lighter or more substantial switch experience.
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