Dareu Dream vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts may find themselves torn between the Dareu Dream and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U. The Dareu Dream offers a light linear option at an attractive price point, making it a go-to choice for those who value quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U boasts a fuller travel distance and a traditional typing experience with its 3.9mm travel distance and bouncy 22mm spring, providing a softer, bassier sound. While the Dream is characterized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Hyacinth V2U is known for its neutral, polished, silky, and subdued qualities. Both switches have their own unique features and benefits to offer, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. As a result, both switches will provide a similar sound experience and visual effect due to their shared top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dareu Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. Conversely, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with its deep and full sound profile. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housing, offering users a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Dream and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U respectively results in a balanced sound profile for both switches. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. Despite their differences in design and branding, both switches are optimized for sound quality and typing experience, making them ideal choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium feel and sophisticated sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for users. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's actuation force of 45 grams. While the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, the Hyacinth V2U has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dream for extended typing sessions, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Hyacinth V2U for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch both offer relatively compact travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hyacinth V2U has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times and a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers might prefer the Hyacinth V2U for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a faster key press response. However, individuals who prefer a slightly more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Dareu Dream with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference between the two travel distances is minimal, and both switches would likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of feel 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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U for $2.91.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream switch offers a clacky sound profile, known for its sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch provides a neutral and subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle sound signature. The differences in sound characteristics between these two switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience, especially when considering personal preferences and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Dream switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. This results in a low-impact and responsive typing feel, catering to individuals looking for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switch offers a polished and silky feel, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, appealing to those seeking a refined and sleek typing feel.
Overall, when comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch with the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dream switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Hyacinth V2U switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound coupled with a polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches offer quality options within the linear switch category, ensuring reliable performance and satisfaction for users seeking different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a very light linear switch that is affordable and offers a clacky sound profile with easy-to-press key presses, then the Dareu Dream switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a fuller travel distance, enhanced bounciness, and a softer, bassier sound signature, along with a polished and silky smooth typing experience, then the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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