Dareu Dream vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout linear options are the Dareu Dream and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their remarkably light touch, providing an 'easy-to-press' experience that caters to enthusiasts seeking both quality and affordability, all while delivering a mild and slightly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura switches prioritize a peaceful atmosphere, meticulously crafted for those who prefer discreet keystrokes. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, these switches evoke a serene typing experience reminiscent of rain softly pattering against a window. While both options offer their unique advantages—one balancing performance with value, and the other focusing on a whisper-quiet operation—they ultimately cater to different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilize distinct materials in their top housings that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Dream employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This translucence enhances its appeal, especially for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to filter through vividly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer and more absorbent nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a warmer auditory experience during typing. Overall, the house material of the top housing contributes uniquely to the character of each switch, with the Dream favoring clarity and brightness, while the Silent Sakura presents a more muted and rounded tone.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a notable reversal in material choices between the two switches. The Dareu Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which helps in dampening sound and creating a smoother, richer bottoming-out experience. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, thereby enriching the overall acoustic profile of the switch. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, while not as soft, bestows a sharper resonance to the key presses. The polycarbonate here continues to emphasize clarity and articulation, leading to a distinct sound when the key bottoms out. Thus, the bottom housing of the Dream reinforces a fuller sound, while for the Silent Sakura, it injects a clearer and crisper tone into the final sound profile.
When considering the complete sound and feel of both switches, the mixed materials in the top and bottom housings create a nuanced experience for users. The Dareu Dream combines a vibrant, high-pitched sound from its polycarbonate top with the deep resonance of its nylon bottom. Alternatively, the Silent Sakura - 43g achieves a unique blend by adopting a muted quality from its nylon top and a sharper characteristic from its polycarbonate bottom. Consequently, while both switches may have different materials, they can still achieve similar results in terms of sound diversity when utilized in various typing contexts. Depending on individual preferences for sound profiles—between crisp clarity versus warm fullness—users can select the switch that best fits their aesthetic and auditory desires.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Dream switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Dareu Dream's bottom out force remains unspecified, while the Silent Sakura has a clear bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a tangible resistance upon bottoming out, thus offering a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who favor ease of use, whereas the heavier force of the Dream switch may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced key feel.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users pressing down on either switch will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and actuation, allowing for similar performance in typing or gaming scenarios. Given that they both measure exactly 4 mm, users can expect consistent results regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a distinctly clacky character, producing a sharp and snappy audio response that many typists find engaging and satisfying. This crisp, bright sound can create a lively atmosphere, making every keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, evoking the sound of gentle raindrops. This subtlety is ideal for users who prefer a tranquil environment, allowing them to type without the distraction of loud keystrokes. Thus, while the Dream switch might suit those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience, the Silent Sakura caters to those who prioritize silence and serenity during their typing sessions.
Regarding feel, the Dareu Dream switches excel with their easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that minimizes strain, making it particularly comfortable for extended use. The switches are described as mild, emphasizing an approachable and balanced feel that will appeal to a broad audience. In contrast, the feeling of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g remains unspecified, which leaves uncertainty about whether it matches the comfort and effortless typing experience provided by the Dareu Dream. If it shares similar qualities, however, users can expect an equally enjoyable typing experience without the added sound profile.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switches offer a lively, clacky sound with a highly responsive feel suitable for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g promises an ultra-light and quiet experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is key. While the Dream’s characteristics provide an engaging typing experience, the Silent Sakura’s tranquility caters to users seeking a peaceful atmosphere. As a newcomer, choosing between these options will ultimately depend on your preference for sound and tactile feedback in your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a light typing experience with a bit of auditory feedback and don’t mind a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream switch is an excellent option. Its approachable mild feel and ease of pressing make it great for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, all at an attractive price point. However, if you prefer a quieter environment or work in shared spaces where noise could be an issue, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch would serve you better. Its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light bottom out force are ideal for those who want a serene typing experience reminiscent of soft rain. In conclusion, whether you're seeking an engaging and lively typing experience with the Dareu Dream or a calm and understated performance from the Silent Sakura, both switches have their unique strengths to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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