TTC Brother vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and Dareu Dream linear switch offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight nature, with a breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. Its crunchy sound signature and balanced tactile bump make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its affordability without compromising on quality, offering a very light linear option that is easy to press and provides a clacky feel. While the Brother is known for its clicky feedback, the Dream offers a smoother keystroke 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Dareu Dream feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this material for the top housing, they may differ in the design and aesthetics of how the polycarbonate is utilized in their respective switches.
On the other hand, the Brother and the Dream diverge in their bottom housing material, with the Brother utilizing nylon and the Dream also using nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate in the top housing. Despite their shared material for the bottom housing, the Brother and the Dream may provide different typing experiences due to other design factors in their switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the TTC Brother and the Dareu Dream respectively, ensures a balance of sharpness and depth in the sound profiles of these switches. While they both offer unique typing experiences, the use of these materials contributes to the overall quality and performance of the switches. Whether utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper sound or nylon for a fuller sound, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Dream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to compare them in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Brother switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Dream switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Dareu Dream linear switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a slightly deeper feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfying click with clear, crisp precision, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch produces a sharp and clacky sound when pressed, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches have their unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Brother being more crunchy and the Dream being more clacky.
In terms of feel, both the Brother and the Dream switches are easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This feature makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a subtle two-stage tactile feedback, while the Dream switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight nature, tactile bump, and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, making it a top favorite among clicky switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its affordability and light linear feel, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a quality switch at a lower price point. Depending on whether you prefer a crunchy click or a clacky sound and a stepped or mild feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Dareu Dream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a light actuation force, tactile feedback, and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch that offers easy typing with a gentle feel and an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best fits your typing style and preferences.
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