Dareu Dream vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and HMX Perky both stand out in the realm of linear options, each catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their exceptionally light touch, which offers an easy-to-press experience that is both clacky and mild. This quality, paired with an attractive price point, makes the Dream a go-to choice for enthusiasts who prioritize affordability without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches elevate the typing experience with their softer, glittery nylon housings, which not only provide a neutral feel but also deliver a deeply satisfying response. Thanks to a shorter travel distance, the Perky switch promotes a more condensed typing experience, ideal for those who favor speed and precision. Both switches have their unique merits—whether you lean towards the accessible, budget-friendly nature of the Dareu Dream or the refined, tactile satisfaction of the HMX Perky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the HMX Perky, it is clear that these two switches adopt different materials for their top housings, which influences their sound profiles significantly. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature that promotes a more resonant sound. Conversely, the HMX Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast between the two materials suggests that users will experience markedly distinct auditory sensations when typing on these switches, with the Dream likely offering a brighter acoustic experience versus the warmer tones of the Perky.
Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This uniformity presents a compelling aspect of their design as both bottom housings contribute similarly to the switch experience. Since nylon is relatively softer, its sound-absorbing characteristics play a crucial role in shaping the overall auditory feedback during use. Specifically, the deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the nylon bottom will be consistent across both models, regardless of the differing top housing materials. As a result, for users who prioritize a similar bottom-out sound and feel, the Dareu Dream and HMX Perky will converge in their overall auditory experience, even if the top housings differ.
Ultimately, the combination of their distinct top housing materials and shared bottom housing provides an interesting dichotomy in user experience. The polycarbonate top of the Dream will enable a higher-pitched sound on release, while the nylon top of the Perky will maintain more muted acoustics during the same action. Nevertheless, since both share nylon in the bottom, the foundational sound will remain consistent. Thus, while the typing experience and key release will affect how each switch feels and sounds overall, users may find a balanced auditory experience at the bottom of both switches. This duality highlights how the interplay between varying top materials and uniform bottom housings can create a rich and layered typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which can be beneficial for long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Perky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. The absence of a specified bottom out force for the Dream switch means we can't directly compare this aspect, but the Perky's bottom out force indicates a more substantial feedback when fully pressed down. Consequently, although both switches can deliver satisfying results, the Dareu Dream's lighter actuation force caters more to those seeking ease and comfort, whereas the HMX Perky may appeal more to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, for users prioritizing a softer touch, the Dream is the better option, while the Perky is better suited for those who appreciate a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, it's clear that there is a notable difference. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper pressing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to the modern trend of quicker response times favored by gamers. For those who appreciate a more responsive keystroke, the Perky would be a suitable choice with its shorter travel distance, while the Dream may be more appealing for users who prefer a heftier, more pronounced tactile feedback from their keys. Ultimately, the Dream is the longer travel option, whereas the Perky offers the shorter distance, highlighting the distinct preferences in tactile experience between these two switches.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 switches are characterized by their clacky auditory profile. This means they produce a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation, giving a crisp and bright auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience for users who appreciate that percussive quality. On the other hand, while there is no specific sound description provided for the HMX Perky switches, it's worth noting that the sound can significantly vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used with them. Therefore, while the Dream offers a distinct clacky sound, the Perky's sound may present a quieter or more subdued profile, but this is not explicitly defined.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches are noted for their easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate, which makes them especially comfortable for extended typing sessions. This gentle resistance results in a mild typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users. The sensation is responsive yet soft, maintaining a balance that minimizes finger fatigue. The HMX Perky switches, however, do not have a specific feel description available. Thus, their tactile feedback remains unknown, making it difficult to provide a comparative analysis on this aspect alone.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switches offer a light typing experience characterized by a clacky sound and a gentle feel that promotes comfort during prolonged use. While the sound of the HMX Perky switches is less defined, their softer nylon housings suggest a somewhat unique typing experience that may differ from the Dream switches. Ultimately, for newcomers, choosing between these two models may hinge on prioritizing sound clarity and auditory enjoyment with the Dream versus exploring the potentially nuanced, yet unknown, qualities of the Perky.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences, usage scenarios, and budget. If you favor an extremely light and effortless typing experience, the Dareu Dream is your best bet, as its easy-to-press design allows for minimal resistance and reduces finger fatigue, making it excellent for long typing sessions. Additionally, if you appreciate a clackier sound profile that can add an engaging character to your typing, the Dream’s sharp and percussive sound would be highly satisfying. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced and satisfying feel with a bit more resistance, the HMX Perky, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, might be more appealing, especially if you’re after a foundation that provides a slightly firmer typing experience without compromising comfort. The Perky's nylon housing also promises a unique typing feel with shorter travel distance, making it suited for users who enjoy a punchy response. Ultimately, your choice should align with how much force you prefer to apply while typing, the sound profile that you find most appealing, and how much you are willing to spend.
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