Dareu Master vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Dareu Master and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The Master switch is celebrated for its all-POM construction, which delivers a medium weight feel accompanied by a classic clacky sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile sound experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a subtly different experience with its finely crafted materials that provide a satisfying top-out and a soft clack, enhanced by the excellent factory lube that HMX is renowned for. While the Master leans towards a clackier, polished feel, the Sunset Gleam prioritizes a smoother, more subtle auditory feedback, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches serve distinct preferences, making the decision of which to choose a personal one. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it's important to note the distinctions between their top housings. The Dareu Master utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is noted for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a subtle auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The inherent properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contribute to a resonant auditory experience that brings out sharper tones, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer a brighter keypress sound. For individuals prioritizing RGB lighting effects, the crystal-like translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the light diffusion, setting it apart aesthetic from the more muted appearance of POM.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals further back-and-forth between the two keyboard models. The Dareu Master opts for a POM bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing by delivering a dim and unique sound profile that is consistent throughout. The HMX Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound, primarily due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder key feedback. This variance in materials significantly influences the acoustic output; while both keyboards provide depth, the Master maintains a cohesive muted sound experience, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a combination of clarity from its polycarbonate top and depth from its nylon bottom.
Ultimately, while both the Dareu Master and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize housing materials that are distinct in composition, the qualities they impart work synergistically to create their respective sound profiles. The interplay between top and bottom housings defines the acoustic signature of each switch; the Master’s POM materials foster a more uniform muted sound, while the Sunset Gleam’s varied combination provides a contrast between the sharpness of its top and the fullness of its bottom. Users can achieve beautiful sound results by understanding these characteristics—though different, each can satisfy an array of auditory preferences within a keyboard user’s experience.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Master switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sunset Gleam's actuation force of 42 grams, making the Sunset Gleam the lighter option for those who prefer a softer typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Master switch is unspecified, while the Sunset Gleam has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. This difference suggests that the Sunset Gleam may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke due to the defined bottom out force, while the absence of a bottom out force measure for the Master switch leaves its relative push feel ambiguous. Overall, for users looking for a lighter touch, the Sunset Gleam would be the preferable choice, while the Dareu Master may cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Master makes it ideal for gamers who favor quicker response times, offering a more immediate feedback when pressing keys. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional and hearty depth, which some users prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced key feel.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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, the Dareu Master linear switch offers a distinct clacky character that is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. This sound profile results in a pleasing and percussive noise that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam does not have a specific sound description provided, but it is presumably engineered for a balanced sound profile, potentially aligning with the more subtle nuances often appreciated in linear switches. However, external factors such as keyboard construction and keycap choice can significantly influence the overall sound produced by both switches.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master switch strikes a balance with its mild character, delivering a pleasant typing experience that is approachable for a wide variety of users. Its polished nature ensures a smooth and refined keystroke, contributed by both the materials and factory lubrication. This results in reduced friction and a sleek key travel experience. The HMX Sunset Gleam's tactile feel remains unspecified, which leaves some uncertainty, but it can be anticipated that, similar to the Master, it may also offer a smooth experience owing to its high-quality construction.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Master linear switch is well-known for its clacky sound and smooth, mild feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch presents an opportunity for a potentially different auditory experience, with an emphasis on refined materials and quality construction. Users who prefer a more pronounced sound profile might gravitate towards the Master, while those uncertain about the nuances of the Sunset Gleam could find it offers similar smoothness, though the exact sound characteristics remain undetermined. Ultimately, both switches promise engaging typing experiences, though the Dareu Master may cater more to those who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, consider your specific preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium-weight switch that provides a clacky, crisp sound alongside excellent smoothness, the Dareu Master could be your ideal choice. Its combination of a polished feel and mild characteristics makes it approachable for a wide range of typing experiences, making it suitable for both casual typing and intensive gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying clack and excellent factory lubrication, the Sunset Gleam may be more to your liking. While it's slightly less pronounced in sound, the factory lube enhances smoothness, which can contribute to a more enjoyable typing experience. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and feel (Dareu Master) or a smooth, lightly-tactile actuation (HMX Sunset Gleam).
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