Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Dareu Dream offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Violet is known for its tactile feedback, featuring a light operating force of 45g for a relaxed typing experience. Its sound profile is described as mellow and low-pitched, ideal for those who prefer a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream stands out for its linear feel and affordability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a smooth and easy-to-press switch. 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
4.00 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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and Dareu Dream both offer unique housing materials that influence the sound and feel of the switches. The Crystal Violet utilizes ABS for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Dream uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch.
One key difference between the Everglide Crystal Violet and Dareu Dream is the material used for their top housings. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet provides a lower-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dream produces a higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better illumination with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housings of the switches also play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile. The ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to the low-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dream creates a deeper and fuller sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and Dareu Dream will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Crystal Violet offers a consistent low-pitched sound due to its ABS housing materials, the Dream provides a mix of sharper and deeper sound profiles with its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, and users may find that one switch better suits their preferences over the other. Whether opting for a clear housing with the Dream for RGB lighting or enjoying the softer sound of nylon with the Crystal Violet, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the typing experience on each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Violet is the heavier option. The Crystal Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Dareu Dream linear switch due to its lower actuation force. In contrast, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in a similar typing experience for users of either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Crystal Violet switch may be preferred for its softer and more mellow sound, while the Dream switch could appeal to those who enjoy a crisper and more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience with a stepped tactile feel, providing a smooth and gentle keystroke that melts fingers into each press. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switch is characterized by being easy to press and mild, offering minimal resistance and a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Crystal Violet may be favored for its stepped tactile sensation, while the Dream switch offers effortless and responsive typing for extended use.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with a stepped tactile feel, ideal for those seeking a relaxed typing experience. In contrast, the Dream switch offers a more pronounced and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, appealing to users looking for a responsive and effortless typing experience at an affordable price point. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality performance, and users can expect satisfying results based on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a light operating force and a relaxed, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a very light linear option with an easy-to-press feel and a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and enhances your overall typing experience.