Dareu Dream vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Dareu Dream switches are designed with an easy-to-press feel, characterized by their light actuation and a satisfying mild clack, making them an attractive choice for users seeking quality without breaking the bank. Their affordability combined with decent performance positions them as a favored option among enthusiasts who want a balance between cost and experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch from HMX shines in the gaming arena, thanks to its remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, designed to facilitate rapid-fire keyboard inputs. With a bright, clacky sound profile and a buttery smooth push feel, this switch takes the lead for gamers craving speed and responsiveness. While both switches have their unique advantages—affordability for the Dareu Dream and rapid actuation for the Vintage Citrus—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a key distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus uses a nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer quality of nylon absorbs sound more than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference sets the tone for the overall sound characteristics of each switch.
Interestingly, both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Vintage Citrus share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that, despite the different top housing materials, both switches will produce a similar sound profile when bottoming out due to the effects of the nylon. The deeper and fuller sound generated by the nylon’s absorption properties ensures that both switches will likely have a muted, rounded experience at the bottom of the keystroke. With each switch employing this classic material for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent tactile feedback and sound quality when fully pressed.
The interaction of the two distinct housing materials illustrates how the sound profile of each switch is shaped. While the top housing influences the sound generated during the release phase, the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottoming-out experience. The Dareu Dream's crisp top end from its polycarbonate top contrasts with the Vintage Citrus's rounded tone from its nylon top; however, both can create a satisfying overall typing experience. Therefore, while users may appreciate the sharper tones from the Dareu Dream and the deeper tones from the Vintage Citrus, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that players will still enjoy a comparable bottom-out experience between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a higher actuation force of 48 grams, which offers a more substantial feedback that some users might find satisfying. However, the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unknown, while the Vintage Citrus features a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that while the Vintage Citrus might feel heavier overall due to its actuation and bottom out forces, the Dream switch's unknown bottom out force could result in a similar total resistance during use if measured. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter keypress for comfort during long use should lean toward the Dareu Dream, while those seeking a firmer feel might find the HMX Vintage Citrus more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a distinct difference between the two. The Dream switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, representing a more shallow and potentially faster response. For gamers seeking quicker actuation, the shorter 3 mm distance may be more appealing, as it facilitates rapid key presses. Conversely, those who prefer a more satisfying depth with a noticeable bottom-out feel might favor the 4 mm travel of the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness, with the Dareu Dream having the longer travel distance and the HMX Vintage Citrus being the shorter option.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy crispness that is both bright and percussive when keys are pressed. This lively auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy an engaging soundscape while they work or play. The HMX Vintage Citrus switch, while aimed at gamers with its rapid actuation feature, lacks a specific sound description in the given information. However, since both switches aim to provide enjoyable but contrasting experiences, users can expect that the Dream's clacky nature would differ from the potential sound profile of the Vintage Citrus, which may be tailored more for quick and less resonant inputs.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Dareu Dream offers a light and easy-to-press experience, possessing gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. Its mild characteristics create an approachable typing feel that suits a broad range of users, making it comfortable for both casual typing and gaming. The Vintage Citrus switch, specifically designed for rapid-fire inputs, features a remarkably low actuation force at just 1mm. This focus on speed suggests a potentially smoother push feel, tailored for extensive gaming sessions where quick reactions are pivotal. Although the exact feedback of the Vintage Citrus is unknown, the structural intent behind its design implies a very distinct tactile experience compared to the more balanced and mild quality of the Dream.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer unique qualities suited for different types of users. While the Dream is appreciated for its clacky sound and user-friendly feel, the Vintage Citrus promises speed and efficiency, albeit with less information regarding its sound profile. Ultimately, both switches present excellent options for their respective target audiences, whether one is inclined towards a lively and engaging experience or requires a lightning-fast response for gaming.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value an ultra-light touch and are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a crisp, clacky sound along with a gentle typing experience, the Dareu Dream would be an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for those who engage in extended typing sessions and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking rapid-fire responses and fast actuation, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. With its quicker actuation point and medium-light bottom-out force, it supports high-paced gameplay, allowing you to perform actions swiftly and efficiently. The Vintage Citrus's distinctive sound and smooth push feel also enhance the gaming experience, making it a go-to for competitive play. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize comfort and affordability in typing or the speed and responsiveness for gaming.
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