Dareu Dream vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options to suit their typing style and preferences. The Dareu Dream switch stands out as an appealing choice for those on a budget, offering a lightweight linear feel with a clacky yet mild sound profile, making it an ideal pick for users who prioritize both affordability and quality in their keyboard experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch presents a premium option that boasts silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication for an effortless glide. Its ultra-light actuation force combined with a poppy sound profile makes the Poro a compelling alternative for those seeking a more refined and satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different needs and preferences, with the Dream being a great option for value-conscious users, while the Poro appeals to those desiring a luxurious tactile 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the HMX Poro switches showcase distinctly different materials in their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profiles produced by each. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This arises from polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances sound resonance, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience. Its translucency also complements RGB lighting effects, making the Dream visually appealing in setups that prioritize aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Poro adopts a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience that may appeal to users seeking a more subdued typing sound.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housings, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Poro utilize nylon, creating a uniformity that bridges the auditory experience across different aspects of both switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both models ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the characteristics of sound absorption. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both models will deliver a consistent experience at this level, despite the contrasting effects of their top housings. This means that while users will notice differences in sound when releasing the key thanks to the polycarbonate and nylon dynamic at the top, the experience of bottoming out retains a level of continuity across both switches due to the shared nylon material.
In summary, the Dareu Dream and HMX Poro switches provide unique auditory experiences influenced by their differing top housing materials, while achieving a cohesive sound experience at the bottom through the use of nylon. The sharper clarity of the Dream's polycarbonate top contrasts with the fuller, more rounded tones produced by the Poro's nylon top. Despite these differences, both switches share compatible bottom housing characteristics, ensuring that users will enjoy a consistently deeper and richer sound during the key press. Ultimately, these material choices fulfill varying preferences in mechanical keyboard aesthetics and acoustics while offering a unified tactile experience in terms of bottom-out sound.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the differences in actuation forces are notable. The Dareu Dream has a lower actuation force of 40 grams, while the HMX Poro requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Dream switch lighter, which may appeal to users who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, the Dream lacks a specified bottom out force, making it challenging to fully evaluate its performance in that regard. In contrast, the Poro switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates a more substantial tactile experience when keys are fully pressed down. As such, users who favor a stronger push feel may find the Poro more satisfying despite its heavier actuation force. Overall, while both switches have their merits, the Dareu Dream offers a lighter typing experience, while the HMX Poro provides a more robust key press.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This distinction means that the Dream switch provides a more traditional and potentially more satisfying depth for users who appreciate a hearty tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Poro switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking for enhanced speed in their keypresses. Users who favor longer travel distances may find the Dream switch more comfortable, while those prioritizing a snappier feel may lean towards the Poro. Overall, the shorter travel distance of the Poro results in a more immediate actuation, while the Dream's longer travel distance offers a more deliberate, deeper keystroke 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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 linear switch stands out with its clacky profile, creating a bright and percussive sound when pressed. This sharp acoustics adds an engaging auditory aspect to typing, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, but the mention of its ultra-light actuation force suggests it may produce a more subdued sound. The overall acoustic experience from either switch will also heavily depend on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, which could bridge the auditory gap to some extent.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream excels with its easy-to-press characteristics, requiring minimal force for activation, which enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. Its mild nature also means it offers a gentle yet responsive feedback that appeals to a wide array of typists. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch promises silky smooth keystrokes thanks to meticulous lubrication, resulting in an effortless glide. However, the specific tactile response of the Poro is not described, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares to the overall light and mild feel of the Dream.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a superb typing experience at an affordable price, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky sound coupled with a light and comfortable feel that can cater to most users. The HMX Poro linear switch, while lacking in detailed sound characteristics, promises a smoothly lubricated keystroke, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. While both switches provide compelling qualities, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the auditory snap of the Dream or the gliding sensation of the Poro, though each can deliver a satisfying typing experience in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're seeking a very light switch that minimizes finger fatigue and offers an effortless typing experience, the Dream is an excellent option. Its clacky sound gives it a sharp and distinctive auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of character with each keystroke. This switch is particularly suited for extended typing sessions where comfort and gentle resistance are priorities. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth, gliding experience with a bit more substance to your keystrokes, the HMX Poro linear switch may be the better choice. With its light bottom-out force and meticulous lubrication, it provides a satisfyingly poppy sound and superior smoothness in feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a more refined and consistent keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, so consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or overall typing experience—are most important to you as you make your decision.
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