Dareu Master vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and Huano Sakura stand out as compelling linear options, each with its unique set of characteristics. The Dareu Master is renowned for its all-POM construction, striking a medium weight that delivers a satisfying clacky sound and exceptional smoothness during use—perfect for typists who appreciate a tactile feedback without compromising on performance. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch, allowing for a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended sessions, all while maintaining medium acoustics that don't overpower the user. While the Master appeals to those seeking a classic auditory experience along with its polished feel, the Sakura is designed for lighter keystrokes, catering to users who prioritize ease and comfort over sound feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Huano Sakura employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Master utilizes a POM top housing, renowned for producing a sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted. This characteristic contributes to an acoustically pleasing experience, though it embodies a unique quality distinct to POM. In contrast, the Sakura features a POK top housing, which, although smooth and strong, is characterized by properties that enhance clackiness and brightness in sound. The POK material's slightly higher coefficient of friction suggests that while it may offer a smooth tactile experience, it also encourages a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Master. Thus, while both top housing materials aim for smooth functionality, their sound profiles diverge significantly.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Dareu Master employs a POM material that, similar to its top housing, creates a deeper and muted sound profile that is consistent with the overall theme of its design. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a fuller, rounder auditory experience. This softer material allows for a deeper sound that resonates differently from the POM, emphasizing a unique bottom-out feel. The contrasting properties of the bottom housing materials serve to accentuate the overall sound characteristics of each switch, with the nylon enhancing the depth of the Sakura's auditory output while the POM remains focused on a more subdued profile.
Despite these distinctions, it's important to note that the differences in materials lead to varying qualities within the overall switch experience. If both switches were to be tested side by side, the Master’s POM housings would likely yield a more muted sound while the Sakura's POK and nylon combination would produce a combination of clacky and deep sound, providing users with distinct satisfaction based on rig preferences. To achieve similar results in terms of smoothness, one might focus on key factors such as actuation feel and tactile feedback, as both switches aim to deliver a high-quality typing experience. However, the overall sound signature and feel produced would remain unique due to the inherent properties of each material utilized in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we see a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Master switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it heavier and may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to activate each key. While the bottom out force for the Master switch is unknown, the Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a complete keystroke feel. Therefore, those seeking a lighter switch experience should lean towards the Huano Sakura, while those favoring a heavier, more tactile response might prefer the Dareu Master.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Master features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Dareu Master the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for more responsive gameplay. In contrast, the Huano Sakura, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress, potentially avoiding the abrupt sensation that can accompany shorter switches. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Master linear switch is well known for its classic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and bright auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. This clackiness is characterized by its crisp and percussive qualities, making each keystroke feel more engaging and satisfying. In contrast, although the Huano Sakura linear switch has medium acoustics, specific details about its sound profile are not provided. However, it can be inferred that the Sakura's sound may be more subdued, aiming for a quieter experience which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, especially in shared environments.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master switch excels with its polished finish, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience. The use of POM and possibly factory lubrication minimizes friction, making key presses fluid and responsive, ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is noted for its feather-light touch, which suggests a different tactile experience that may allow for less fatigue during extended use, though details about the smoothness and overall refinement of the Sakura's operation are unclear.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Master and the Huano Sakura switches strive to enhance the typing experience, they cater to different preferences. The Master offers a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a polished, smooth feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy tactile sound and refined key travel. Conversely, the Sakura focuses on a lighter touch and medium sound, potentially appealing to those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, each switch can deliver an enjoyable experience, though they are designed with slightly different user experiences in mind.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound and a polished, smooth feel, the Master switch may be the better fit for you. Its medium weight makes it suitable for users who prefer a more tactile response without being overly heavy, making it a great choice for both gaming and typing tasks. However, if you favor a feather-light touch and are inclined towards longer typing sessions, the Sakura's 45-gram bottom-out force can help reduce fatigue without compromising comfort. The medium acoustics of the Sakura also make it a versatile option that won't disrupt your environment during intense typing. Therefore, consider how you value sound, feel, and typing weight before making your decision, as both switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience.
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