HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, each offering distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a lively and bright typing experience. With a lighter actuation weight at 50 grams, this linear switch provides a seamless and uninterrupted keypress that many gamers and typists prefer for fast-paced use. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactility and a neutral sound signature, making it the ideal "Goldilocks" tactile switch for those seeking a balanced typing experience. Its fairly light touch combined with a stepped actuation provides clear feedback without being overly harsh, catering to users who desire a more pronounced response. Ultimately, while the HMX Cloud - 50g captivates with its smoothness and sound, the Violet Gold Pro finds its strength in balanced tactility. 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
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see distinct differences in their top housing that significantly affect their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is a softer plastic. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features polycarbonate as its top housing material, which is stiffer and produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a higher-pitched sound that can offer a more pronounced auditory feedback, making the typing experience feel crisper and more responsive.
Both switches, however, share a critical similarity in their bottom housing, as both models utilize nylon. This consistency allows for a cohesive sound profile when considering that the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress. Since nylon is known for creating a duller and rounder sound, the impact from both switches' bottom housing will feel more substantial and satisfying, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper and more muted sound due to its nylon top, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing guarantees a similar tactile experience when bottoming out both switches.
The contrast between the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 50g and the polycarbonate top of the Violet Gold Pro illustrates how a switch's performance can be influenced by its materials. Users who prioritize more robust and pronounced sound profiles may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro for its crispness, especially in settings with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Meanwhile, those who prefer a softer, more muted sound might gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g. Despite these differences in top materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will produce a comparable bottom-out feel, thus catering to varied user preferences while still allowing for a consistent tactile engagement in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams, which is light and conducive for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer less fatigue. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel while typing. The bottom out force for the Cloud switch is 50 grams, indicating a definite resistance when pressing all the way down, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unspecified. This absence of information leaves a gap in comparison for the bottoming out experience. Overall, the HMX Cloud switch is lighter and may be favored by users seeking comfort during extended use, whereas the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a marginally heavier actuation force for those who desire more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced key press that some users may find more satisfying if they prefer a deeper feel. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro's shorter travel distance can enhance responsiveness, making it particularly appealing to gamers who benefit from quicker key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you value a more tactile experience with a bit of depth, the Cloud - 50g may be the better option, while the Violet Gold Pro suits those who favor rapid response times in their typing or gaming activities.
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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. This creates an engaging experience for enthusiasts who relish the bright and lively noises produced during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a neutral sound signature, offering a moderate auditory response that is versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or work. This makes it a suitable choice for users who are looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing an enjoyable auditory component, resulting in a more balanced sound with less intrusive feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth experience, making each keystroke fluid and effortless. This smoothness can be particularly attractive for users who prefer linear switches and want to maximize speed and the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactile feel with a stepped characteristic. This tactile design creates a discernible bump at the actuation point but maintains a lighter touch that can enhance typing accuracy while avoiding strain. The stepped nature of the tactile feedback provides a gentle reminder of key activation without overwhelming the user, striking a balance that many find appealing.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel, creating distinct typing experiences. The Cloud's clackiness and smoothness contrast with the Violet Gold Pro's neutral sound and stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory typing experience or seek a more balanced and versatile switch for various environments. Each option provides unique attributes that can lead to satisfying results based on your individual typing style and environmental needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter switch with a clacky sound profile that enhances an engaging typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be an excellent fit for you. Its smooth actuation is especially appealing to those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more balanced, versatile experience with a moderate tactile feedback and a neutral sound signature, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is the way to go. This switch is ideal for a variety of environments, whether you’re working in a quiet office or typing at home, and it's particularly suitable if you appreciate a mildly tactile feel without being overly loud or disruptive. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard, and whether you value a pronounced auditory experience or a comfortable, all-purpose switch, and make your choice accordingly.
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