Akko Botany vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Dareu Dream offer distinct experiences for users looking for linear options. The Akko Botany switches are recognized for their crisp, lively clacky sound straight out of the box, making them a delightful choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their ease of actuation and affordability, presenting a very light linear option that appeals to enthusiasts on a budget. While the Botany provides a vibrant acoustic profile that can enhance typing enjoyment, the Dream focuses on a smoother feel and cost-effectiveness, catering to users who prefer a subtler experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Dareu Dream, notable differences emerge, particularly regarding the top housings. The Botany features a nylon top housing which, as a softer plastic, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more muted auditory experience when typing. This characteristic aligns with nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound, dampening the noise produced and creating a rounded auditory tone. In contrast, the Dareu Dream utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. The inherent translucency of polycarbonate not only affects sound but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, making it especially suitable for setups with RGB lighting where the visual impact is greatly amplified.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both the Botany and the Dream utilize nylon, preserving consistency in the acoustic experience of bottoming out during typing. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, it tends to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone for both switches upon key actuation. This shared material fosters a similarity in the tactile experience when pressing the keys; the sound profile remains dull and round during both the actuation and bottoming out phases. Consequently, while the top housings differentiate the two switches in terms of sound clarity and aesthetic qualities, their similar nylon bottom housings contribute to a cohesive auditory experience that resonates with deeper tones even amidst varying top housing characteristics.
Ultimately, the variation in top housing materials between the Botany and the Dream generates distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and aesthetics. Users of the Botany can expect a dampened, fuller sound, making it ideal for quieter environments or for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Dream’s polycarbonate construction aims for a crisper and more pronounced auditory feedback that enhances the dynamic range of sound, appealing to users who favor a brighter and more vivid typing sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that despite their superficial differences, both switches retain a deep, rounded tonal quality that unifies their overall performance characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, a notable distinction lies in their actuation forces. The Botany requires an actuation force of 38 grams, making it lighter compared to the Dream, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This difference may be significant for users who prefer a more responsive and effortless typing experience, especially for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream switch is not specified, leaving an unknown variable in that aspect. The Botany's bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating a light overall feel when fully depressed. In choosing between the two, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort may lean towards the Akko Botany, while those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may find the Dareu Dream more appealing, assuming a comparable bottom out experience when the force gets clarified.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it's evident that they differ: the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dream features a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This distinction in travel distance suggests that users who favor responsiveness may prefer the Akko Botany for its shorter travel, which can lead to quicker key presses and faster response times. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a deeper tactile experience. Thus, if you are seeking a switch that provides a more abrupt feeling for rapid actions, the Botany would be the better choice, while the Dream might be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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.
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
The Akko Botany linear switch stands out with a crisp and lively sound profile that is designed to deliver an engaging auditory experience right out of the box. This switch is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more vibrant acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Dream linear switch presents a clacky sound characteristic, emitting a sharp and percussive tone that is both bright and snappy when pressed. This lively auditory feedback can add an enjoyable dimension to the typing experience, making it suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate an audible response. However, it is essential to remember that the overall sound can still vary greatly based on the keyboard layout, build quality, and type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany switches offer a pleasant typing experience, though specific qualities were not given. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their ease of use, requiring minimal actuation force to engage. This lightness results in a gentle typing experience that significantly reduces finger fatigue, making extended typing sessions more comfortable. The Dream's mild characteristics create an approachable interaction that caters to a wide range of users, as it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
In summary, both the Akko Botany and Dareu Dream linear switches provide enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences, each with its unique sound and feel profiles. While the Botany excels in producing a lively and engaging sound, the Dream emphasizes a light touch and comfort in its operation. Those seeking similar auditory qualities may find that both switches meet their needs, though the choice may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the tactile experience and sound signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a light actuation force with a satisfying, clacky sound that adds a bit of personality to your typing experience, the Akko Botany is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance that can cater to both typists and gamers, providing a lively auditory feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability and ease-of-use, the Dareu Dream switches may be more suited to your needs. These switches offer an exceptionally light touch that minimizes finger fatigue, making them perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Plus, their approachable sound profile makes them versatile for various environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you desire that energetic sound and tactile experience from the Botany or the gentle, fatigue-free typing offered by the Dream.
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