Dareu Dream vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and HMX Lotus both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its light keypresses and affordable price point, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a balance of quality and affordability. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus, also a linear switch, stands out for its medium weight and bright, resonant sound, giving users a satisfyingly bouncy typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the HMX Lotus both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Dream featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Lotus opts for a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, making it ideal for switches that prioritize clarity and resonance. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. Despite their differences, both materials offer distinct sound characteristics that can cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and the HMX Lotus utilize nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced when compared to the top housing. This means that the overall typing experience may be more influenced by the bottom housing material, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right material for individual preferences.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in switches like the Dareu Dream and the HMX Lotus comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. Polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking clarity and resonance, while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound for a more rounded typing experience. Both materials have their unique advantages and characteristics, highlighting the importance of housing material selection in achieving the desired typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, while the Lotus has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter to bottom out on the Lotus switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dream switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Lotus switch may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lotus for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dream. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed, with the Dream providing a slightly longer keypress compared to the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
The HMX Lotus comes in at $3.49 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound quality gives a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch's sound characteristics are not provided, so it is unknown how they compare in terms of sound. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Conversely, information about the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided, so it is uncertain how it compares to the Dream switch in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch is noted for its clacky sound profile and easy-to-press, mild feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light linear switch option that is both affordable and of good quality. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch is recognized for its 50g bottom out weight and bright, resonant sound, although information on its specific feel characteristics is not available. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches, as both offer unique qualities that may appeal to different users. Ultimately, based on the available information, if you prefer a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, mild feel, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a very light linear switch with an affordable price point and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switch would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium weight switch with a bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel, sound, and budget, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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