Dareu Dream vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for being easy to press and clacky, with a mild feel and an attractive price point, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the HMX Swift, also a linear switch, stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While both switches share some similarities in being easy to press and clacky, the Dream offers a lighter touch compared to the Swift's feathery and bouncy feel. 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
42g
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and HMX Swift both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is consistent between the two switches, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials between the two switches results in a variation in the typing sound when releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Dream's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent appearance that is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing provides a more classic look without the translucency. This difference in material affects the visual appeal of the switches, with the Dream being more suitable for users looking to customize their setup with colorful lighting effects. Despite this distinction, both switches share the common feature of using nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness.
The split between the top and bottom housings in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel. With the Dream's nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing combination, users can expect a balance between a fuller sound when typing and a sharper sound when releasing keys. In contrast, the Swift's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Dream and HMX Swift will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Swift at 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Swift is the heavier option at 50 grams, while the Dream's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Dream may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Swift with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and keypress feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Dream being slightly longer than the Swift. Gamers may prefer the Swift for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times during intense gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dream with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Swift switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile can be attributed to the construction of the switches and can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used. If you are looking for a bright and crisp sound signature, both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream is described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle and low-impact typing experience. These characteristics make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light and spring-like feel with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches excel in offering a comfortable and responsive typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation force and feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Dream and HMX Swift switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile, they slightly differ in their feel. The Dareu Dream switch provides a gentle and easy-to-press experience, ideal for those seeking a light and effortless typing feel. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch offers a range of sensations from feathery lightness to creamy smoothness, giving users a variety of tactile experiences to choose from. Ultimately, both switches excel in their respective qualities, providing users with a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a budget-friendly option, the Dareu Dream switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper sound profile, lighter actuation force, and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Swift switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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