Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Dream both stand out as notable linear options, each catering to specific user preferences. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, offering an outstanding typing experience right out of the box, making it an ideal choice for users looking for a smooth and consistent keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Dream switches are recognized for their ultra-light actuation and budget-friendly price point, positioning them as a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize both quality and affordability. While the Acacia emphasizes a refined and pleasant typing feel, the Dream appeals with its easy-to-press action and playful clackiness, thereby enhancing the overall user 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Dareu Dream both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound, making it an ideal choice for switches aimed at a more vibrant auditory response. Both switches benefit from the material's translucency, allowing RGB lighting to shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual effect. Thus, users of either switch can expect the same crisp sound characteristics and vibrant lighting capabilities due to their identical top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Acacia and the Dream is made from nylon, a material revered for its acoustic properties that deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more dulcet and rounded typing experience. This complementary combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches amplifies their overall performance—while the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sharpness of the sound when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing enriches the tone and feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, both switches harness the benefits of nylon to produce a cohesive sound signature, albeit from different housing sections.
The distinct roles of the different materials come into play when assessing the overall tactile and auditory feedback of each switch. While the top housing's polycarbonate ensures that the sound is crisp upon release, the nylon bottom housing ensures a satisfying and muffled response when the key is fully pressed. This blend of materials in both the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Dream allows for a well-rounded sound profile that maximizes each switch's strengths. Thus, despite being distinct products, their use of the same materials leads to comparable auditory characteristics, enabling users to have a predictably enjoyable experience with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia and Dareu Dream linear switches, there are notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown. The Acacia features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively easier to press, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dream offers an even lighter actuation force of 40 grams, suggesting a softer touch that may appeal to those who favor a light key feel; however, the lack of specified bottom out force leaves a gap in understanding its resistance when fully pressed down. The Acacia's bottom out force is 55 grams, providing a slightly firmer conclusion with each keystroke, which some users might find contributes to a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Acacia is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Dream, making it a better choice for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback, while the Dream offers a lighter alternative for those who prioritize ease of press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer choice. This difference means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, you might lean towards the Acacia, as its shorter distance allows for quicker key presses—beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, if you appreciate a more satisfying depth when typing, the Dareu Dream's longer travel distance may provide a more fulfilling experience. Both switches serve their respective preferences well, catering to different typing styles in the process.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia switch is notably quieter and less pronounced compared to the Dareu Dream switch, which is characterized by its clacky nature. The Acacia's subtle sound profile allows for a more subdued typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Dream produces a sharp and snappy sound, described as crisp and bright, adding an auditory crispness that many enthusiasts find satisfying. The clackiness of the Dream switch can create a more engaging atmosphere for typing, though it may not be as discreet as the Acacia.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch offers a balanced typing experience thanks to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, minimizing stem wobble and providing responsiveness right out of the box. This results in a comfortable typing experience that is neither too heavy nor too light. The Dareu Dream switch, on the other hand, is designed to be extremely easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This low actuation force offers a gentle, mild typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making long typing sessions more enjoyable. While the Acacia leans toward a more substantial feel, the Dream caters to those who prefer an effortless typing action.
Overall, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Acacia emphasizing a quieter, balanced experience, and the Dareu Dream switch focusing on a lighter touch and engaging acoustics. While their sound profiles differ significantly, both switches are designed to deliver an enjoyable experience that can cater to a variety of typing styles. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or the ease of actuation; however, regardless of which you choose, both switches promise quality and satisfaction in their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. The Acacia, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, is ideal for those who appreciate a slightly more substantial feel while still benefiting from excellent factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble right out of the box. It’s perfect for users who enjoy a responsive but controlled typing experience that strikes a balance between comfort and feedback. Conversely, if you’re looking for an ultra-light switch that offers effortless key presses and is particularly budget-friendly, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press design with minimal resistance ensures a comfortable typing experience, making it particularly appealing for extended use or gaming sessions. Moreover, the clacky sound profile of the Dream adds a lively auditory element that may enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more balanced feel with the Acacia or a lightweight, budget-conscious option with the Dream.
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