Dareu Dream vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and HMX Xinhai both offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that is highly regarded for its light actuation force, making it easy to press and producing a clacky sound. Not only is this switch affordable, but it also provides a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is also a linear switch but stands out with its PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and POM stem for a distinct crispness. Known for its bouncy feel and creamy sound, the Xinhai offers a blend of sophistication and performance. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, given its translucency. On the other hand, the Dream and Xinhai differ in their bottom housing material. The Dream's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Xinhai also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate top housings to achieve a sharper and crisper sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing's polycarbonate. However, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings may impact the typing experience differently. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Xinhai offer a unique typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housings create a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct housing materials. Whether the focus is on RGB lighting with the Dream or on achieving a rounder sound with the Xinhai, both switches cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Dareu Dream has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams. However, the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. This means that the Xinhai is lighter in terms of bottoming out force. Considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Xinhai for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Dream for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dream. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Dream is more traditional, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Xinhai is considered shallow. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial feel may prefer the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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
When it comes to sound, both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Xinhai switches share the same descriptor of being clacky. This means that they both produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream is known for being easy-to-press and providing a mild typing experience. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that caters to different preferences, with the Dream being more approachable and easy to use, while the Xinhai offers a more lively and luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Xinhai switches share the clacky sound profile, they differ in terms of feel. The Dream offers a light and easy-to-press typing experience, ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option with a gentle typing feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai provides a more premium and bouncy typing experience with a creamy smoothness that enhances the typing sensation. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can achieve similar results in sound but distinctively different typing experiences with these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a very light switch with no bottom out force, the Dareu Dream switch is a great choice for a smooth and affordable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a bouncier, creamy typing feel, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a unique blend of performance and sophistication. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and budget constraints.
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