Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Dream offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Jade is a clicky switch known for providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream is a linear switch that offers a very light typing option at an attractive price point. While the Box Jade offers a more invigorating and crunchy typing experience, the Dream provides an easy-to-press and clacky feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Dream are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the bottom housing of the Box Jade is made of nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dream's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material will result in a variation in the sound and feel when typing on the switches.
Despite both switches having a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Dream will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade creates a deeper sound compared to the Dream's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound. This means that the typing experience on the Box Jade will result in a different sound and feel compared to the Dareu Dream, despite both switches sharing the same top housing material.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Dream both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the difference in bottom housing material - nylon for the Box Jade and polycarbonate for the Dream - creates a distinction in sound and feel between the two switches. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Dream's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when choosing a switch for a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dream's 40 grams, making the Box Jade the heavier option between the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the Dream's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Jade provides a more consistent typing experience with a defined force needed to bottom out, whereas the Dream's force for bottoming out is unclear. Ultimately, the Box Jade may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Dream may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Dareu Dream linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade offers a slightly quicker and more responsive typing experience compared to the Dream switch, making it favorable for gamers who value speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Dream switch provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying for typing longer documents or engaging in tasks that require more precision. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While both switches have distinct sound characteristics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall sound profile you're looking to achieve in your typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade is highlighted for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a medium actuation force, the Box Jade may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Dream linear switch might be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. While the Box Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Dareu Dream offers a light linear option at an affordable price point. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a clicky switch with more pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Dareu Dream linear switch may be more suitable for your typing needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider your desired typing experience. If you appreciate a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch that offers affordability and a smooth typing experience, the Dream switch could be the optimal selection. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile sensation and clicky sound of the Box Jade or the smooth and light actuation of the Dareu Dream. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style for the best overall typing experience.
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