HMX Game1989 vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Master offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a rich auditory feedback without any tactile bumps. This switch is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced sound while they type, enhancing the immersive experience during gameplay or writing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Master provides a medium weight action that strikes a balance between resistance and ease, offering a smoother keystroke and a clacky sound signature that many users find satisfying. While both switches are classified as linear, their respective strengths—thockiness in the HMX 1989 and polished smoothness in the Master—speak to different typing experiences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Master, it is evident that they each employ different approaches to enhance sound profiles through their choice of materials. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for improved resonance and clarity in sound output. In contrast, the Dareu Master utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both housings serve to channel sound, they create markedly different auditory experiences; the HMX 1989 focuses on brightness and clarity, whereas the Dareu Master opts for a dampened, richer sound.
The differences extend into the bottom housing as well, where the HMX 1989 uses nylon—a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a fuller, deeper sound characteristic, as nylon is softer and contributes to a rounder acoustic effect. In comparison, the Dareu Master also employs POM for its bottom housing, which similarly leads to a deep and pleasing sound but lacks the same degree of sound absorption that nylon provides. The use of POM for both the top and bottom housings in the Master may homogenize its sound properties, whereas the nylon of the 1989 contributes to distinct tonal characteristics when keys are actuated and released.
In cases where the top and bottom housings differ, their individual materials create a composite sound profile shaped by both elements. In the HMX 1989, the interplay between the crystalline nature of polycarbonate at the top and the soft absorption qualities of nylon at the bottom results in a well-rounded acoustic experience, marked by a bright release and a soft bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Dareu Master benefits from a more uniform application of POM, leading to a consistent sound profile that maintains a deeper and more muted quality overall. Despite these differences, switching between the two would still yield pleasantly satisfying keystrokes: the HMX might deliver a more dynamic soundscape, while the Master offers a smoother and more blended acoustic experience.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making both switches equally responsive when triggering a keystroke, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons. However, a significant difference arises with their bottom out forces: the HMX 1989 features a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Dareu Master switch is unavailable. This indicates that the HMX 1989 is the heavier option overall, offering a firmer typing experience, while the lack of an available bottom out force for the Master switch leaves its overall feedback and feel uncertain. Consequently, users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Dareu Master, particularly if it matches the actuation force without the added weight of a bottom out, while those wanting a more robust tactile response would likely gravitate towards the HMX 1989.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the 1989 measuring 4 mm and the Master at 3.4 mm. This makes the HMX 1989 the longer option, providing a deeper feel when pressed compared to the Master, which has a shorter travel distance. The difference in travel distances could significantly influence the typing experience; while the 1989’s 4 mm travel might appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and hearty depth, the 3.4 mm travel of the Master caters to gamers or users seeking rapid responsiveness in their keystrokes. Essentially, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Dareu Master would be more suitable, while the HMX 1989 might be preferred for its traditional feel and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master 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 1989 switch is specifically designed to provide the deepest and most thocky acoustics within the HMX Film switch series. This rich sound profile contributes to a more immersive typing experience, particularly favored by gamers and typists who appreciate a fuller auditory feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch is noted for its clacky sound signature. This means it produces a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp and bright, lending itself to an engaging and somewhat percussive experience. Overall, while both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, the 1989's thockiness versus the Master's clackiness highlights a personal preference that a user would need to consider.
In terms of feel, the 1989 switch is less clearly defined in available descriptions, which makes direct comparison to the Dareu Master switch challenging. However, the Master switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is both approachable and friendly for most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, suggesting a refined finish that allows for smooth key travel with reduced friction. This quality of smoothness could be appealing for those who type for extended periods or prefer a sleek touch. Without specific descriptors for the 1989, it is difficult to ascertain how its tactile feel might align or contrast with the smooth and mild characteristics of the Master switch.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Dareu Master switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different user preferences. The HMX 1989 excels with its deep, thocky sound, while the Dareu Master features a bright, clacky auditory signature coupled with a polished and mild feel. The absence of explicit descriptions for the 1989's feel leaves room for uncertainty, but both switches provide unique experiences likely to satisfy different types of users. For those looking for something between the two, experimenting with keycaps and board choice may yield a customizable typing experience, blending auditory and tactile characteristics from each switch type to suit individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a thockier sound signature and a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 will likely suit you well. This switch caters to users who enjoy a deeper, more substantive typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or typing sessions where you want a satisfying and pronounced feedback while keeping the effort relatively light. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth, polished typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Master switch would be a better fit. Its medium weight and refined feel provide an approachable typing experience, perfect for users who appreciate a balance between sound and smooth operation without any extreme characteristics. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your style of use—whether you prioritize deeper tactile feedback or a classic, refined sound and feel.
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