Dareu Dream vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves choosing between options that cater to different preferences and uses. The Dareu Dream switch stands out as a very light linear switch that not only provides an easy-to-press experience but also offers a clacky yet mild sound profile, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists alike seeking a blend of quality and affordability. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 serves as a middle ground within the HMX Film switch lineup, offering a balanced sound profile that caters to users who appreciate a more nuanced acoustic experience without sacrificing performance. While both switches appeal to enthusiasts, the Dareu Dream excels in its affordability and ease of use, while the FJ400 is ideal for those desiring a harmonious auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 FJ400, we see a notable contrast in the composition of their top housings. The Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to the material's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keys are pressed. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through the housing. In contrast, the FJ400 opts for a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, characterized by its ability to deliver a uniquely pleasing and deeper sound profile that is relatively muted. The softer characteristics of POM lend themselves to a sound that differs from the bright clarity provided by polycarbonate, creating a distinct auditory experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and the HMX FJ400 utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for its excellent sound-absorbing qualities, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Since nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it helps to create a rounder sound—which is consistent across both models. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed, both switches will deliver a pleasing and rich auditory experience derived from this shared material. Therefore, while the top housings differ in their contributions to sound clarity and resonance, the nylon bottom housing serves to unify the sound profile characteristics toward a deeper and fuller tone.
In essence, the Dareu Dream and HMX FJ400 demonstrate a blend of contrasting and complementary material choices in their designs. While the Dream’s polycarbonate top offers crispness and brightness, the FJ400's POM top introduces depth and a muted quality to the sound. Despite their differences in top housing, both switches are anchored by their nylon bottom housings, which equalize the auditory experience by producing the same depth and fullness during use. Ultimately, the combination of different materials leads to unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences in keyboard feel and acoustics, all while allowing for some shared qualities thanks to the resilient nature of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the HMX FJ400 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, which can enhance comfort during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the FJ400 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. While the Dream's bottom out force is not specified, the FJ400's bottom out force is stated as 58 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial resistance at the end of the keystroke. As a result, the Dareu Dream is the lighter option, ideal for users who prioritize ease during extended use, while the HMX FJ400, with its heavier actuation force and defined bottom out, caters to those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the FJ400 features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Dream the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the FJ400’s 3.8 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time that could benefit gamers or those who favor a more immediate feedback from their keystrokes. Therefore, if you seek responsiveness and faster actuation, the FJ400 is the better option, while the Dareu Dream will cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke experience.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Dareu Dream switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound with each keypress. This adds an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying and lively. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX FJ400 linear switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, the FJ400 is known for being the middle ground amongst the HMX Film switches, which may suggest a balanced and perhaps subdued sound profile, but without specific descriptors, it’s impossible to ascertain its exact auditory qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch excels with its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force leads to a gentle typing experience, making it comfortable for extended use and reducing finger fatigue. Moreover, the Dream switch is classified as mild, indicating that it strikes a balance that is approachable for most users, appealing to both casual typists and enthusiasts alike. Unfortunately, specific details about the HMX FJ400's feel are not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparative analysis. Without that information, we can only speculate on its tactile qualities.
In summary, the Dareu Dream switch presents a compelling option for those seeking both sound and feel in their typing experience, with its clacky sound giving auditory feedback and a light actuation force ensuring comfort during use. The HMX FJ400's sound and feel characteristics remain largely unknown, but its classification as a middle-ground switch may suggest it offers a balanced option that could yield a more subdued auditory experience and a neutral feel. For individuals not focused on extreme sound or tactile feedback, both switches could potentially satisfy with their respective qualities, making either a solid choice depending on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences in terms of feel, sound, and the overall typing experience you seek. If you are looking for an ultra-light, easy-to-press option that allows for effortless key presses, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Its clacky sound profile adds a unique and lively character to your typing, making it especially appealing for casual use or for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force that offers a balanced typing experience, then the HMX FJ400 could be the way to go. While it may not have the same light touch as the Dream, its well-rounded sound and feel can create a satisfying and stable typing environment that many find ideal for gaming and productivity. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more dynamic feel or a more controlled and balanced typing experience.
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