Dareu Dream vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can greatly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Dareu Dream switches offer a light linear feel, noted for their affordability without sacrificing quality, making them a top pick for enthusiasts on a budget. Their clackiness and mild feedback provide a unique auditory experience, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, they deliver a responsive and effortless performance, creating a satisfyingly smooth tactile sensation that many users crave. While both switches belong to the linear category, with the Dream being easy-to-press and clacky, and the Gravel offering a distinctly smooth feel, each caters to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and HMX Gravel switches share notable similarities in their sound characteristics due to their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches by allowing RGB lighting to shine through vividly but also serves to amplify the clarity of the sound produced. Consequently, users can expect a consistent auditory experience from both switches, particularly when engaging in lighting effects that enhance their visual and audio engagement with the keyboard.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Dareu Dream and HMX Gravel switches consist of nylon, a classic material known for its unique acoustic properties. Nylon is characterized by its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This quality allows for a rounder and less harsh auditory feedback when bottoming out on a key, creating a pleasing and satisfying tactile experience. Given that both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, users will enjoy a similar sensation and sound when they press down on the keys, aligning well with the deeper audio qualities that nylon is known to provide.
While both switches feature identical materials for their top and bottom housings, the balance of these materials determines the overall sound profile experienced by users. The polycarbonate top contributes to the clear, resonant tones during key release, while the nylon bottom enhances the tactile sensation and sound when the key is engaged. Therefore, despite their different branding, the Dareu Dream and HMX Gravel switches deliver complementary auditory experiences, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds: the crispness of polycarbonate and the fullness of nylon. This harmonious blend ensures that both switches can offer a well-rounded performance for typing, gaming, or any activities requiring keyboard input.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which contribute to the overall typing experience. The Dareu Dream requires an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the HMX Gravel, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, as the lower force of the Dream can result in less finger fatigue over time. In terms of bottom-out force, the Gravel switch has a specified force of 50 grams, while the bottom-out force for the Dream remains unknown. This indicates that the Gravel not only requires a slightly heavier actuation force but also provides a more substantial bottoming-out experience for those who favor a firmer tactile feedback. Therefore, users looking for a lighter switch with a potentially softer feel may opt for the Dareu Dream, while those who appreciate a heavier and more pronounced typing experience might prefer the HMX Gravel linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the differences become clear. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Gravel measures at a shorter 3.5 mm. This means that the Gravel allows for quicker keystrokes, which is often preferred by gamers seeking fast response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Dream may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, offering a sense of depth that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you lean towards responsiveness, the Gravel would be the ideal option, whereas the Dream would suit those who favor 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 Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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
The Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed, enhancing the auditory experience of typing. This characteristic makes it appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback through sound. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel's sound characteristics remain unspecified, but generally, linear switches are quieter than their tactile and clicky counterparts, especially if not paired with noisy keycaps or a resonant keyboard board. As such, if silence is a priority, the Gravel may provide a more subdued experience, while the Dream engages users with its lively clack.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch excels with its easy-to-press attributes and mild characteristics, delivering a typing experience that's both effortless and comfortable. With its light actuation force, users can type for extended periods with reduced finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who prioritize a gentle resistance. In contrast, the HMX Gravel also offers a medium-light actuation force leaning towards the lighter side, emphasizing a smooth and responsive typing feel. This synergy means that while the Dream switch actively promotes an easy and enjoyable experience with a bit of auditory excitement, the Gravel's focus lies in delivering a consistently smooth and refined feel, catering to users who appreciate a seamless typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Gravel linear switches cater to specific preferences among enthusiasts. The Dream stands out with its engaging sound profile and comfortable typing feel, making it a lively option for users seeking both auditory and tactile pleasure. Meanwhile, the Gravel, with its refined smoothness and gentle actuation, presents itself as a strong contender for those who value a quieter and more serene typing experience without compromising on responsiveness. Ultimately, the considerable overlap in their lightweight characteristics ensures that users of either switch can achieve a satisfying typing experience, whether they crave the engaging clack of the Dream or the smoothness of the Gravel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios should guide your choice. If you prioritize a very light actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound while typing, the Dareu Dream switch might be your go-to option. Its easy-to-press design makes it ideal for those who want a comfortable typing experience, especially during long sessions. Its appealing price point further enhances its value for budget-conscious users. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptional smooth typing feel with a bit more resistance, the HMX Gravel switch could be the better choice for you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers responsiveness while maintaining a satisfying typing experience. Whether you are a casual typist or a dedicated gamer, the Gravel's smoothness might be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a balanced feel without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, match the switch characteristics to your personal typing style, and you’ll find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard.
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