Dareu Master vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Dareu Master and the HMX Swift, both linear switches offering unique features. The Dareu Master features an all-POM linear switch, striking a medium weight that provides a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings, offering a silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Master switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Swift switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own advantages and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the HMX Swift both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Master utilizing POM for both the top and bottom housing while the Swift opts for nylon. POM is known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, nylon produces a fuller and deeper sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to a pleasant sound profile, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of sound production, the POM housing of the Dareu Master and the nylon housing of the HMX Swift offer distinct characteristics. While POM delivers a deeper and more muted sound, nylon provides a fuller and rounder sound profile. This variation in sound output can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as the sound produced by the switch adds to the tactile feedback received by the user. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a fuller and rounder one, both the Dareu Master and the HMX Swift have housing materials that cater to different preferences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities means that both the Dareu Master and the HMX Swift offer a balanced combination of housing materials to create a satisfying typing experience with nuanced sound profiles. Whether you choose POM for a deeper and muted sound or nylon for a fuller and rounder one, both keyboards provide a high-quality typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch with 42 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Swift is 50 grams, while it is unknown for the Master. This means that the Swift switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force. If both switches have the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results when typing or gaming. Weight is a key factor to consider when choosing between these switches, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Dareu Master and HMX Swift linear switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Dareu Master has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Swift. The Master's 3.4 mm distance falls between the traditional 4.0 mm and 3.0 mm distances, making it a good option for those who want a balance between a shallow and deep press. On the other hand, the Swift's 3.9 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Both switches offer a good range of travel distance options to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key travel 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 the sound of the Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, both are described as having a "clacky" sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This sound characteristic is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback to users. While the Master switch offers a classic clacky sound signature, the Swift switch stands out with a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound would depend on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The switch provides a polished finish for smooth and refined key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. It is also described as feathery and bouncy, providing a light and spring-like feedback sensation during typing. Additionally, the Swift switch is noted for its creamy typing experience, offering a silky sensation when pressing the keys. Choosing between these switches for feel would depend on whether one prefers a gentle typing experience like the Master switch or a low-impact and responsive typing experience like the Swift switch.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both produce a clacky sound when pressed, the Master switch is known for its classic clacky sound signature, whereas the Swift switch features a deeper sound profile due to its nylon housing. In terms of feel, the Master switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Swift switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery feel with a touch of creaminess. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking for. Whether you choose the Master or the Swift, you can expect a similarly satisfying typing experience based on their smooth operation and unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deep sound profile with silky smoothness, the HMX Swift could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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