Dareu Dream vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and specific use cases, and two compelling options to consider are the Dareu Dream and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both linear switches but catering to different user experiences. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its affordability and ease of use, offering a light and clacky keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists who enjoy a responsive feel without the burden of hefty actuation forces. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering a serene typing experience with a whisper-quiet operation that resembles the soothing sound of raindrops—perfect for those in shared workspaces or anyone who prefers a more subdued auditory feedback. While both switches provide a smooth linear response that enthusiasts crave, the Dareu Dream excels in price and tactile feedback, whereas the Silent Sakura shines in its noise-dampening characteristics and a balanced actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch, we see a clear distinction in the choice of plastics for the top and bottom housings. The Dareu Dream boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in materials fundamentally impact the acoustic characteristics of each switch, influencing the overall typing experience. The Dareu Dream’s clear polycarbonate housing not only contributes to a crisper sound but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, while the nylon top on the Silent Sakura dampens sound, creating a smoother auditory result.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Dareu Dream employs a nylon construction, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a polycarbonate base. This pairing further accentuates the contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences of the two switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Dream absorbs sound, leading to a more subdued bottom-out sound that emphasizes a rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura generates a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the tactile feedback felt during key presses. This division of materials ensures that each switch not only offers unique sound signatures but also distinct typing sensations.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Dream and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g differ in their proprietary use of polycarbonate and nylon for their housing, it is important to note that both switches strive to deliver exceptional performance through their respective characteristics. If swapping the top and bottom housings were possible, the resulting sound profiles would blend the traits of the materials—for example, a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom would produce a combination of crisp release sounds paired with fuller bottom-out notes. Each switch's overall performance relies heavily on the interplay between these materials, ensuring that users can achieve varied auditory and tactile sensations even with different combinations of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that can impact user experience during typing and gaming. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. While the bottom out force of the Dareu Dream switch is unknown, the Silent Sakura's bottom out force is rated at 53 grams, indicating a firmer resistance at the key's limit. This makes the Silent Sakura significantly heavier overall. Therefore, users seeking a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience might lean towards the Dareu Dream, while those who favor a stronger feedback and a more pronounced keypress should consider the HMX Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience when it comes to the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom. Consequently, if you are accustomed to one of these switches, transitioning to the other should yield similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming. Since both switches have identical travel distances, neither is shorter or longer than the other, reinforcing the consistency in performance between the two options.
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 - 53g 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 switches provide a distinctly clacky typing experience. This means users can expect a sharp, snappy feedback with each keystroke, characterized by a crisp and bright percussive quality. This sound can create an engaging atmosphere for typists who appreciate an audible confirmation of their actions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops. While the effect of the Silent Sakura's acoustics is not described in detail, it can be assumed that it prioritizes noise reduction, making it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches excel in providing a lightweight and effortless typing experience. The easy-to-press characteristic of these switches requires minimal force, thus reducing finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions. The mild resistance combines comfortably with the linear action, ensuring a responsive yet relaxing feel. Unfortunately, the feel attributes of the Silent Sakura - 53g are not specified; however, with its balanced 53g actuation force, it’s likely to strike a favorable chord with typists who prefer a satisfying keystroke without feeling heavy or cumbersome.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to specific preferences while offering distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Dream appeals to those who enjoy a lively, clacky sound with a lightweight feel, making it an excellent choice for vibrant typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g presents a quieter alternative that likely balances performance and comfort, though its tactile characteristics remain unspecified. Each switch has its unique strengths, allowing typists to select based on their environmental needs and personal typing style.
Conclusion
To summarize, when comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you desire an incredibly light and easy-to-press switch that delivers a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option, especially if you are looking for quality at an affordable price. Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for extended typing sessions and quick keystrokes, perfect for casual gamers or those who spend long hours typing. Conversely, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of a moderately weighted switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g would be more suitable. The balanced 53g force provides a satisfying response while remaining discreet, making it perfect for shared workspaces or night-time typing. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prefer the lightness and auditory feedback of the Dream or the muted efficiency of the Silent Sakura - 53g, aligning with your specific needs and typing environment.
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