HMX Lotus vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and Dareu Master both offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The HMX Lotus, a linear switch, stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and vibrant, resonant sound. The super bouncy feeling of the Lotus switches ensures that every keystroke is a delight. On the other hand, the Dareu Master, also a linear switch, boasts a medium weight that provides a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. While the Lotus switch is known for its bright and lively typing experience, the Master switch offers a more polished and refined 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Master, one can see that both switches use different materials for their top housing - nylon for the Lotus and POM for the Master. While nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption, POM produces a unique and more muted sound that leans towards the deeper side. The top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound quality produced when typing and releasing a key.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lotus and the Master utilize nylon for the Lotus and POM for the Master. Again, the characteristics of the materials come into play here, with nylon providing a softer and rounder sound profile while POM offers a pleasing and deeper sound that is relatively more muted. The bottom housing of a switch has a direct impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Master contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both achieve a deeper and fuller sound quality. The softer nature of nylon in the Lotus and the pleasing sound of POM in the Master bring their own distinctive characteristics to the typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch is the same at 45 grams, making them both equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing a key, while the Master's bottom out force is unknown. This means that for users looking for a keyboard with a lighter overall typing experience, the Lotus may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a switch with a stronger push feel may find the heavier bottom out force of the Lotus more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Lotus might provide a slightly more substantial feeling due to its 0.1 mm longer travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Master's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when choosing between these two switches.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing users with a satisfying and responsive typing experience. As for the Dareu Master switch, it offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, falling into a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Master switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can contribute to a more enjoyable typing experience overall.
Overall, the HMX Lotus and Dareu Master linear switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bouncy and resonant typing experience, while the Master switch offers a clacky sound with exceptional smoothness. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. Remember to consider factors such as keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing style when making a decision, as these factors can also impact the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch with its 50g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master switch could be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a bouncy, lively feel or a smooth, clacky sound signature in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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