Bsun Pine vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can make a significant difference in your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the BSUN Pine, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Dream, a linear switch. The BSUN Pine switches are lauded for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense tactility that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches offer a light linear feel at an attractive price point, making them a top choice for those looking for quality and affordability. While these general descriptions provide a basic understanding of each switch, delving deeper into their specific characteristics and performance will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Dareu Dream both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relative stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
While both the Pine and Dream have nylon bottom housings, this material differs from polycarbonate in its sound profile. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housings, the similarities in their nylon bottom housings indicate that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
With the qualities of the housing materials divided between the top and bottom of the switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down the switch. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Pine and Dream switches showcases how different housing materials can work together to create a unique sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is evident that the Pine requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dream's 40 grams. However, the Pine also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. From this information, we can see that the Pine is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Dream. When considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream, while users looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Pine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Dareu Dream linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Dream provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different feels and experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a faster, more responsive keyboard or a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Pine switch is known for its sharp and distinct click sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound that adds a touch of brightness to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sounds that cater to different preferences, with the Pine switch delivering a more pronounced click while the Dream switch provides a lighter and clackier sound.
Moving on to feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is characterized by its sharp and invigorating tactile bump, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation. The switch's snappy and accentuated feedback, along with its long pole stem, ensures a distinctive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press and mild feel, with gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. These characteristics make the Dream switch comfortable and effortless for extended typing sessions, providing a low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback with a distinct click sound, suited for those who enjoy a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Dream switch delivers a lighter and clackier sound with a gentle and easy-to-press feel, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking quality switches at an affordable price point. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile experience with sharp feedback and a quick bottom-out, the Pine switch would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch that offers easy keypresses and a more affordable option, the Dream switch might be the better choice. Consider your typing needs, whether you value tactility or smoothness, and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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