Dareu Dream vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and HMX Lucky provide two appealing options for enthusiasts looking for linear switches. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its extremely light touch and clacky sound profile, all while being attractively priced, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky boasts softer, glittery nylon housings, offering a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience that many find pleasurable. While both switches cater to users who prefer a linear feel, they differ in their tactile feedback and overall experience. The Dream appeals to those who enjoy a lively, responsive feel, whereas the Lucky provides a more muted and luxurious typing sensation. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the HMX Lucky, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for setups employing RGB lighting where the translucency of the material enhances visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its classic characteristics that result in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature serves to absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience, which may appeal to users seeking a more muted keystroke response.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Lucky feature nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will share similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Due to nylon's inherent properties, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on either switch. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the different top housings, both the Dream and the Lucky will provide a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback during key presses, uniting them in their sound experience at the bottom of the switch.
In terms of overall sound profiles, the interplay of materials plays a crucial role in how each switch performs. The Dareu Dream, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a unique combination where the clarity from the top is complemented by the warmth of the bottom. Conversely, the HMX Lucky maintains a consistent nylon experience throughout, delivering a cohesive, deeper sound profile. Ultimately, while users may prefer one over the other based on their sound preferences, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences—where the polycarbonate of the Dream sharpens high frequencies and the nylon of the Lucky creates a more rounded tone. Choosing between these switches may come down to whether one desires the crispness imparted by polycarbonate or the full-bodied response provided by nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dareu Dream features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the HMX Lucky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Lucky switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, while the Lucky's bottom out force is recorded at 43 grams, indicating that the Lucky switch offers a distinct tactile feedback when pressed down completely. In summary, the Dareu Dream switch is heavier in terms of actuation force compared to the Lucky, but without the bottom out force data for the Dream, we cannot fully compare their bottoming out experiences. Those seeking a more substantial typing feel might prefer the increased actuation force of the Dream, while users desiring a lighter touch could opt for the Lucky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the HMX Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it plays a significant role in the feel and responsiveness of the switches. For gamers who favor more immediate feedback and quicker response times, the HMX Lucky's shorter travel distance might be preferable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and deeper keystroke may find the Dareu Dream's 4 mm travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing 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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This bright and percussive auditory feedback can create an engaging typing experience, especially for users who appreciate a bit of acoustic character in their keyboards. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving its acoustic qualities uncertain. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound produced by a keyboard is influenced by additional factors, including the type of board and keycaps used, which means these two switches could potentially exhibit similar sound characteristics depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches offer a notably light and easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate. They provide gentle resistance that makes typing feel effortless, ideal for long sessions or for users prone to finger fatigue. This mild nature of the Dream switches ensures a friendly typing experience that does not overwhelm users with excessive feedback. On the other hand, no specific details are provided about the feel of the HMX Lucky switches, making it difficult to directly compare their tactile experience. Nevertheless, the Lucky switches' description hints at a neutral and satisfactory experience, which could still align well with the lighter and approachable nature of the Dream switches.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Lucky linear switches cater to users seeking a lightweight typing experience, though the auditory experience of the Dream is more clearly articulated. With the Dream providing a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, it stands as a favorable choice for those who value both auditory and tactile response without sacrificing comfort. The unknown qualities of the HMX Lucky switches leave some ambiguity, but their neutral description suggests they might still provide a satisfactory experience akin to what many seek in linear switches. If you're looking for lightness and comfort, both options could potentially meet your needs, although the auditory engagement is more clearly defined with the Dareu Dream.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, your choice should be guided by your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are someone who values a lightweight switch that enables easy and effortless typing, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option. Its clacky sound profile adds an auditory excitement to your keystrokes, making it a delight for enthusiasts who appreciate a snappy and responsive experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are top priorities. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a neutral typing experience with a bit more tactile response and can withstand the pressures of regular use, the HMX Lucky with its slightly heavier bottom-out force might be your best bet. While it lacks the clackiness of the Dream, its soft nylon housing promotes a satisfying feel without overwhelming sound. In essence, choose the Dream for effortless typing and fun sound, and opt for the Lucky if you seek a reliable and balanced switch that still feels great beneath your fingers.
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