Dareu Dream vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The Dareu Dream is a standout linear switch, celebrated for its lightweight actuation and delightful clackiness, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists alike who seek both quality and affordability in their typing experience. Its mild tactile feedback allows for a smooth keystroke, which can enhance fast-paced gameplay or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX EVA switch draws inspiration from the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, offering a unique sound signature that adds personality to your setup, along with a silky smooth keystroke feel that prioritizes comfort and a premium typing experience. While both switches share a linear nature, their characteristics cater to different user preferences—whether it’s the budget-friendly, engaging quality of the Dareu Dream or the distinctive auditory and tactile delights of the HMX EVA. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the HMX EVA switches, a clear distinction can be drawn, especially regarding their sound profiles and functional interactions. The Dareu Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through vividly, making this material not only functional but also visually appealing. In contrast, the HMX EVA employs a nylon top housing, traditionally associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials directly influences how each switch sounds and feels during use.
Both switches, however, share nylon as their bottom housing material, which serves to unify certain auditory qualities across their designs. The soft and sound-absorbing properties of nylon contribute a deeper, more rounded sound profile during typing for both the Dareu Dream and the HMX EVA. Consequently, this shared characteristic allows for consistency in the bottom-out feel and sound between the two switches, despite the differences in their top housings. When pressing down on either switch, users will experience the full effect of the nylon bottom housing, which provides a weighted sound that many typists favor.
Therefore, while the Dareu Dream and HMX EVA switches diverge notably in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the similarities in their bottom housing create some commonality in auditory experience. The impact of each housing material is felt distinctly; the top housing's properties manifest more clearly in the release sound of the switch, while the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sensation. Even though the two switches deliver different auditory experiences during typing due to their contrasting top materials, the nylon bottom enables a consistently satisfying feel, thus allowing users to experience a blend of both sound profiles based on key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Dareu Dream remains unknown. The Dream features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, compared to the slightly heavier 42 grams of the EVA. This lighter actuation force of the Dream may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX EVA, with its heavier actuation force and a bottom out force of 48 grams, offers a more substantial feel, ideal for those who appreciate a firmer push. While the EVA’s bottom out force may provide a definitive tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed, the lack of this specification for the Dream means users won't have a comparison for that aspect. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different typing preferences, the Dream leans towards lighter functionality, whereas the EVA leans towards a heavier and more tactile response in its actuation and bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that appeals to users who appreciate a deeper key press. In contrast, the HMX EVA linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to the modern trend of faster response times favored by gamers. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Dream switch provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, while the EVA switch allows for quicker activation. Those who prefer a deeper experience might lean towards the Dareu Dream, whereas those seeking rapid execution might opt for the HMX EVA due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches highlights a balance between tactile depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound quality of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, it's clear that the Dream offers a distinct auditory experience. The Dream's sound is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy tone that is both crisp and bright, giving a percussive feel while typing. This can enhance the tactile experience for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the EVA remain unspecified, which leaves a gap in understanding how its sound profile compares to the Dream. One must remember that the overall sound produced also heavily depends on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream is notable for its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force, which translates to a very comfortable typing experience, particularly during long sessions. This gentle resistance enhances overall responsiveness and decreases finger fatigue, making it appealing to those who prioritize comfort. Additionally, the Dream's mild characteristics ensure that the typing sensation remains approachable for a broad range of users. In contrast, the feel qualities of the EVA switch are not provided, leaving us without a direct basis for comparison in terms of tactile experiences. Thus, one can only infer how its potential qualities might compare to the Dream.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch distinguishes itself with a clacky sound and an effortless, mild typing feel that prioritizes comfort and responsiveness, catering to both enthusiasts and casual users alike. While we lack information on the sound and feel of the HMX EVA linear switch to draw direct comparisons, it may offer different characteristics that could appeal to fans of the Evangelion aesthetic. Ultimately, both switches could serve different preferences successfully, with the Dream standing out for those who value audibility and ease of use.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a very approachable typing experience, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option. Its clacky sound profile and easy-to-press nature make it ideal for users who enjoy a more responsive and effortless typing feel, especially during prolonged usage. This switch is particularly well-suited for casual typists or gamers looking for an affordable yet high-quality option that doesn't compromise on performance. On the other hand, if you resonate with unique designs and seek a more balanced typing experience, the HMX EVA linear switch might be your better choice. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 48 grams, the EVA offers a distinct tactile feedback combined with a silky smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more deliberate and controlled keystroke. The resonant sound signature inspired by Evangelion Unit-01 also adds an intriguing auditory element to your typing experience. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you favor lightness and affordability or a more weighted feel with a touch of character.
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