Dareu Master vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Master and the HMX SU both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Dareu Master, known for its all-POM construction, offers a medium weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, alongside a classic clacky sound that appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Its smooth operation enhances the overall typing experience, making it a favorable choice for users who prioritize a polished feel. In contrast, the HMX SU showcases a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. While the SU may not emphasize the clack of the Master, it offers a distinct typing experience that some may find more pleasant in quieter environments or during prolonged usage. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Master leaning towards expressiveness and the SU focusing on muted sophistication; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Master and the HMX SU differ in the materials used for their switch housings, which in turn influences the sound profiles and feel of each switch. The Master utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a unique sound that is deeply resonant yet muted. POM is a harder plastic that can create clearer definitions in keystrokes, contributing to an overall balanced auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material characterized by its relative softness. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like POM, resulting in a duller, rounder sound profile that may be appealing to users who prefer a richer and fuller auditory feedback during typing.
Despite the differences in the materials, both the Dareu Master and the HMX SU share similar sound characteristics due to their design specifications aimed at achieving a deeper sound profile. Both switches are engineered to provide a pleasurable auditory experience when typing, though the way they achieve this varies due to the properties of their housing materials. The POM in the Master creates a distinct sound signature with pronounced clarity, while the nylon in the SU brings a more muted and rounded tone that still allows for a satisfying typing experience. This alignment in sound quality can be notable for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their keyboard switches, even if the internal mechanics differ slightly.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch performance, the nuances brought by each material can be balanced in practical typing scenarios. Since the bottom housing is more pronounced in the bottom-out sound and feel, the POM in the Master can provide a crisper and more efficient keystroke response, while the nylon in the SU softens that response, introducing a cushion-like feel. At the same time, the top housings contribute to the sound released upon key release, making the end experience a blend of both materials' characteristics. Ultimately, individuals might find that while the switches from Dareu and HMX differ in material composition, both can deliver satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, catering to specific preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. This uniform actuation force can lead to a similar typing experience, making both switches suitable for users who prefer a consistent feel when typing or gaming. However, the HMX SU linear switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates that it requires a bit more force to press down all the way compared to the Dareu Master, for which the bottom out force information is unavailable. Without this data, it's unclear if the Master switch may also feature a similar bottom out experience, but the known lower bottom out force of the SU could be perceived as lighter overall. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter overall feel might lean towards the Dareu Master, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might favor the HMX SU due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the HMX SU linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference of 0.2 mm indicates that the Master switch may offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the SU switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced depth, potentially offering a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a fuller key press. Thus, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key travel.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 characteristics, the Dareu Master linear switch is renowned for its classic clacky sound signature. This sound is described as sharp, snappy, and crisp, creating a bright and percussive auditory experience upon keypress. It is important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used alongside the switch. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a relatively deep sound profile that is described as subtle, though specific details about its tonal qualities are limited. This suggests that while the Master provides a more pronounced auditory cue, the SU may feel more subdued and less intrusive, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Master switch is characterized by a mild touch, offering a gentle typing experience that balances well with its clacky sound profile. It is combined with a polished quality, indicating a refined feel achieved through the materials used and possibly through factory lubing, leading to reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes the Master particularly approachable for most users. The HMX SU switch, however, lacks specific descriptions of its feel, leaving its tactile feedback and smoothness largely unknown. As such, users may need to test the SU to understand how it compares to the Master in terms of touch sensitivity and overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Master and HMX SU linear switches have their unique sound signatures, the Master delivers a more engaging, clacky auditory experience alongside a smooth and mild tactile feel. The SU, with its deeper but less defined sound profile, represents a quieter alternative but remains less understood in terms of tactile characteristics. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfactory experiences, depending on individual preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer the more vibrant auditory feedback, the Master may be the way to go, while those seeking a calmer, more muted experience may find the SU switch appealing once more details about its performance are known.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re seeking a typing experience that is not only smooth but also has a delightful clacky sound signature, the Master switch is an excellent option. Its medium weight caters well to those who enjoy a balanced tactile response without feeling overly heavy, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter option that is more subdued in sound, then the HMX SU switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, can provide a quieter experience while maintaining a solid feel due to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. This switch is perfect for environments where noise could be a concern, yet you still want a reliable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a bit of acoustic character and refined smoothness over a lighter, quieter typing option; each switch serves a unique purpose in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
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