Dareu Dream vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer two distinct experiences, both classified as linear switches but differing greatly in user feel and characteristics. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its lightweight actuation, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer effortless keystrokes—ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, especially given its budget-friendly price. Users often find the Dream switch gives a pleasant, clacky sound that adds a bit of character without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) demands a bit more force with its 62.5g actuation weight, providing a satisfying bounce with every key press that enhances tactile feedback. This heavier switch produces a bright, resonant sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing or gaming. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs, making it essential to consider what you value most in your typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their auditory characteristics. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This quality allows for a clearer sound when the switch is released, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize auditory feedback while gaming or typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) comes equipped with a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, more muted auditory experience, providing a softer release sound compared to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate. The choice of top housing materials highlights a fundamental contrast in the sound profiles of these two switches; the Dream is designed to highlight clarity and brightness, while the Lotus aims for warmth and depth.
Both switches, however, employ nylon for their bottom housings, which creates an interesting dynamic when comparing overall sound profiles. The inclusion of nylon in both models allows for a similar deep and round sound upon bottoming out, as nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound effectively. This commonality means that despite their differences in top housing materials, the overall typing experience remains similar at the point of actuation. Typers can expect a fuller response while pressing down on either switch, as both benefit from nylon's inherent sound-dampening qualities in the bottom housing. Therefore, users may find that while the release sounds are distinct, the tactile feedback upon bottoming out retains a familiar warmth in both models.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream and HMX Lotus (Heavy) diverge significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housings ensure a cohesive auditory experience at the bottom-out point. The polycarbonate of the Dream provides a brighter, clearer sound during key releases, enhancing responsiveness and feedback, which can be particularly stimulating for gaming. Conversely, the nylon top of the Lotus (Heavy) lends itself to a more subdued and rounded release sound, catering to users who prefer a softer typing experience. Together, these contrasting yet complementary design choices highlight how the interplay of materials influences user experience, allowing potential users to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Dream switch has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more manageable typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. While the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, the Lotus provides a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, reinforcing its heavier tactile experience. Consequently, the Dareu Dream switch is the lighter option, appealing to users seeking comfort during extended use, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a firmer push that might satisfy those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Dream switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the Dareu Dream switch provides a longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced key press and a traditional typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster activation with less key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—those favoring a deeper, more tactile experience might gravitate towards the Dream, whereas those looking for speed and efficiency could opt for the Lotus (Heavy).
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 Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 distinct clacky noise, characterized as sharp, bright, and percussive. This makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging, perfect for those who enjoy an auditory representation of their typing activity. The resonant sound can enhance the overall tactile experience, creating a satisfying feedback loop during usage. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is noted for its bright and resonant character but lacks a specific descriptor for its sound profile. However, given that the Lotus switches provide a delightful auditory feedback themselves, users can expect a pleasing sound experience, albeit potentially different in nuance compared to the Dream’s clackiness.
When considering feel, the Dareu Dream switches are easy to press, featuring a light actuation force that requires minimal effort. This results in a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged usage without causing finger fatigue. Their mild characteristics ensure that they offer a gentler typing experience, making them approachable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. On the other hand, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches offer a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g that is designed to provide a super bouncy sensation with each keystroke, the precise feel characteristics of these switches remain unspecified. Given their heavier actuation force, they would generally provide a distinct feel that contrasts with the light and easy experience of the Dream.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Dream and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, they deliver their unique benefits. The Dream's clacky, percussive sound, combined with its lightweight and approachable feel, makes it suitable for those who prioritize ease of use and auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) promises a bright sound complemented by a bouncy tactile sensation due to its heavier weight. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual typing styles and sound preferences, though both options showcase quality performance in their own right.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-press switch that offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience, the Dareu Dream is likely your best bet. Its affordability and clacky sound make it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions, whether you're writing, coding, or browsing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncier feel and a medium-heavy actuation that provides a satisfying resistance, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) may be more suitable for you. Its 62.5g bottom-out force enhances the tactile experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and enjoyable, especially if you're into gaming or fast-paced activities. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a light and effortless typing style or a more robust and tactile feedback experience.
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