Dareu Dream vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The Dareu Dream and HMX Jelly switches both fall into the linear category, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their lightweight feel and clacky sound, making them ideal for gamers and typists who value a responsive, exciting tactile feedback without breaking the bank. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches provide a smoother typing experience with a deeper, thocky sound, which many users find satisfying and soothing, thanks to their high-quality factory lubrication and a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. With the Dream appealing to those who prioritize affordability and lightness, while the Jelly attracts enthusiasts who appreciate a rich auditory experience and smooth operation, both switches have their own merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right 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
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the HMX Jelly display a notable contrast in their top housing materials, with the Dream utilizing polycarbonate and the Jelly composed of nylon. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, enhancing the clarity and crispness of each keystroke. This characteristic makes the Dream particularly appealing for users who prioritize clear sound, especially in setups with RGB lighting, where the translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Jelly emphasizes a deeper, fuller sound profile, producing a sound that is decidedly rounder and more subdued. This softness in the material absorbs sound waves, leading to a quieter typing experience that might be preferred in communal or noise-sensitive environments.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Jelly share a common nylon bottom housing. This element plays a crucial role in shaping the switches' overall auditory experience, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile across both models. The nylon composition for the bottom housing means that users will encounter a rounded sound signature regardless of the distinctiveness of the top housings. As a result, while the Dream imparts clarity during the release of the key, the Jelly's design will similarly provide a satisfied typing experience rooted in the supportive sound-absorbing qualities of nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches results in unique auditory and tactile characteristics. Users may find that the Dareu Dream offers a more vibrant and pronounced sound during actuation and release, thanks to its polycarbonate top, while still benefitting from the fuller sound produced by its nylon bottom. Conversely, the HMX Jelly provides a more consistent sound experience throughout the typing process due to its uniformity in using nylon for both top and bottom housings. Both switches inherently share the ability to deliver satisfying sound profiles, yet cater to different user preferences in terms of clarity and depth in sound.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Dream switch requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended sessions at work or during gaming. In contrast, the Jelly switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, providing a more substantial feel that could be favored by those who appreciate a stronger push. However, the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, while the Jelly has a well-defined bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully depress compared to the Dream. Consequently, the Jelly is overall heavier due to its actuation and bottom out forces, making it less ideal for users seeking a lightweight typing experience. Therefore, while both switches offer a distinctive feel, the Dareu Dream is the lighter option, whereas the HMX Jelly presents a heavier alternative for those who prefer a more tactile and robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jelly has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Dareu Dream the longer option, providing a fuller keystroke experience that some users may find more satisfying or comfortable. In contrast, the HMX Jelly, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, which is particularly appealing for gamers seeking an edge in fast-paced environments. Users who prefer a more responsive feel in their keystrokes may gravitate towards the Jelly, while those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate press may lean towards the Dream.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream switches produce a clacky tone, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that adds a bright, percussive quality to your typing experience. This sound can be quite engaging, appealing to those who enjoy an audible feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, while there is no specific sound profile provided for the HMX Jelly switches, it is known that they feature a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature. The depth of the Jelly's sound may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued and resonant auditory experience, making it distinct from the Dream's brighter tones. Ultimately, the sound quality of both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, meaning that you could achieve a range of results with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switches are designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force due to their lightweight actuation at 42g. This gentle resistance makes the Dream particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions since it reduces finger fatigue and provides a responsive, low-impact sensation with every keystroke. Additionally, they possess a mild characteristic, ensuring that their typing experience remains approachable and balanced, suiting a wide range of users. In contrast, no specific feel attributes are noted for the HMX Jelly switches, leaving an unknown in this area. However, given that they are also lightweight with a similar actuation force, it can be anticipated that they might provide a comparable typing experience, albeit with potentially different unique nuances.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream and HMX Jelly linear switches offer differing sound profiles and have identifiable features in terms of feel, they both cater to users seeking a lighter touch for typing. The Dream's clacky sound and smooth typing comfort stand out against the Jelly's deep thocky auditory character, which might appeal to users looking for a more muted sound. Given that both switches share a lightweight actuation force, you can expect a similar ease of typing mechanics across each, even if their auditory experiences differ significantly. Ultimately, your choice may hinge more on your preference for sound signature than on feel, as both deliver a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and the overall experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the Dream is the way to go, especially if you value a more affordable option without sacrificing quality. The clacky sound profile and easy-to-press nature of the Dream will enhance your typing comfort, making it ideal for long typing sessions and casual use. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and satisfying auditory experience with a deeper and thocky sound, the Jelly is the better choice; its slightly more significant bottom-out force provides a different type of feedback that some users may find more rewarding. The smoothness of the Jelly, enhanced by excellent factory lube, further adds to the typing experience, making it a compelling option for those who appreciate a satisfying click with every keystroke. Therefore, assess your typing habits and sound preferences to choose the switch that will best meet your needs.
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