I own both and have used both extensively as a main midi sequencer. Please note I donāt sequence CV (not directly from the Hapax or Deluge anyway), so Iām only comparing MIDI sequencing.
Leaving aside all the Delugeās other capabilities, and comparing just as a sequencer, the Hapax is far better.
Instrument definitions, CC LFOās, Automation, Arpeggiator, MIDI FX, more outs, twin screens, to name just a few of the areas where the Hapax excels.
The Deluge is great but seriously lacking as a main sequencing brain. I didnāt really understand how much it lacked until I got the Hapax. Coming back to older songs can be annoying on the Deluge. On the Hapax, it just works.
There are some things that the Deluge does better. Navigation in general (to edit notes) is easier on the Deluge. Switching over, I felt like the Hapax was a bit clunky, however it just takes time to adjust.
The Hapax isnāt perfect. Itās a lot better now than it was at the start thanks to firmware updates. Updates donāt seem to come that quickly, but Squarp do seem dedicated to steadily improving it. Also, the stuff they add is well thought out and always easy to integrate, thanks to the twin screens etc.
In contrast, for example, the community stuff added to the Deluge is certainly amazing, however thereās no doubt itās getting overcrowded with features, outgrowing the interface etc.
Thereās one way I use my Hapax which amazes me. I have all my synths hooked up to it etc. I can go to any synth, press record (footswitch connected to Hapax), play the keys, turn knobs etc. Everything is just recorded and immediately loops and is available for tweaking, all the automation correctly labelled on the screen every time you touch a control etc. Such an easy way to get stuff flowing.
Hope this helps.
I love my Deluge, as a single-box writing tool itās the best. But the Hapax has taken over as my main sequencer. It just does it better!