HMX Blue Topaz vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Dream offer intriguing options, albeit with some key differences. The Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, ensuring that every keystroke feels effortless. Its eye-catching glittery housing complements a distinctive clacky sound signature, creating an engaging experience both visually and audibly. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream presents a very light linear option that appeals to budget-conscious enthusiasts, combining quality with affordability. While both switches share qualities like being easy to press and producing a clacky sound profile, the Blue Topaz is known for its elegant aesthetics and auditory delight, whereas the Dream emphasizes cost-effectiveness with a mild feel. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Dream share a striking similarity in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate to construct their switch tops. This commonality translates to an auditory advantage: both keyboards are designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a resonant sound, enhancing the clarity that typists and gamers alike can appreciate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate caters well to RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that can enhance the overall aesthetic of both keyboards. Thus, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound quality and visual appeal from both the Blue Topaz and the Dream.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Dream is also made from nylon, which further links these two models in terms of their auditory output. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its harder plastic counterparts. This dynamic leads to a more nuanced auditory experience when typing, as the nylon base manages to soften the overall impact of keystrokes. The combination of a nylon bottom with a polycarbonate top allows both switches to deliver a well-rounded sound profile, balancing crispness from the top housing with a more rounded tone from the bottom housing.
When a switch is pressed, the effect of both housing materials plays a significant role in the overall sound and tactile feedback received by the user. While the polycarbonate top influences the sound produced upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. Consequently, despite the differences in material for each half of the switch, the synergistic effect of the polycarbonate and nylon pairing in both the Blue Topaz and the Dream fosters a similar acoustic and tactile experience. Users can anticipate a harmonious blend of characteristics in both options, making either choice a worthwhile investment for those seeking stellar performance in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, making them equally responsive. However, the difference in their bottom out forces is notable. The Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream switch is not specified, leaving an unanswered question about the bottoming out experience it offers. This means that while both switches provide a light actuation feel, the Blue Topaz delivers a definitive heavier tactile response at full press, potentially making it more suitable for users who appreciate that added resistance. Therefore, for those who prefer a light switching experience for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Blue Topaz is the recommended choice, while the Dareu Dream's unknown bottom out force leaves its user experience somewhat ambiguous.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, the two switches exhibit a noticeable difference in their designs. The Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dream features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Blue Topaz the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker actuation. Conversely, the Dareu Dream’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, which some users might find provides a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference—those seeking a quicker response might lean towards the Blue Topaz, while those who value depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Dream.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Dareu Dream linear switches exhibit a clacky sound signature, characterized by a sharp and snappy quality. This lively auditory feedback offers a crisp, bright, and percussive response that many users find satisfying during their typing experience. It's worth noting that the acoustic performance can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard board and keycap material used, but fundamentally, both switches provide a similar, attractive sound profile that enhances the enjoyment of typing.
In terms of feel, both switches are designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This allows for a lightweight typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making them ideal for extended use. The Blue Topaz offers a super smooth actuation, while the Dareu Dream is also praised for its effortless touch. Furthermore, the Dream introduces a mild quality to its feel, providing a gentler typing experience that caters to users who prefer a balanced, approachable sensation. Therefore, while both switches promise a low-impact typing feel, the added mildness of the Dream might make it slightly more versatile for some users.
In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and Dareu Dream linear switches, it is clear that both options lean towards a light and enjoyable typing experience with a clacky sound signature. Users can expect similar auditory delights from both switches, along with a responsive and comfortable feel that minimizes fatigue. However, if a more gentle typing experience is desired, the Dareu Dream’s mild quality may provide a unique benefit. Ultimately, either switch promises to enhance the mechanical keyboard experience, catering to both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a switch that offers a delightful combination of a lightweight feel, smooth actuation, and a visually striking design, the Blue Topaz is a fantastic option. Its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press mechanism make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience and plan to spend extended hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, if you're an enthusiast on a budget who prioritizes affordability without sacrificing performance, the Dareu Dream switch is an excellent choice, thanks to its very light actuation and mild characteristics that cater to users looking for something more subdued yet still satisfying. Both switches feature an easy-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, but the Dream's mild nature makes it approachable for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Overall, your decision should reflect your specific needs: an immersive and visually captivating experience with the Blue Topaz or a budget-friendly, reliable option with the Dream.
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