Dareu Dream vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Huano Elf, both linear switches, present unique characteristics that cater to distinct preferences among users. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their light actuation force and clacky acoustic profile, making them an appealing choice for enthusiasts who prioritize affordability without sacrificing quality in their typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf switches are designed with a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deeper sound signature alongside a medium-light feel, which adds a satisfying dimension to each keystroke. While the Dream might attract those seeking a budget-friendly option with a responsive touch, the Elf appeals to those who value auditory feedback and a more robust typing sensation. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Huano Elf keyboards showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, significantly impacting their sound profiles. The Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s rigidity, allowing for clear resonance and a pronounced sound when typing. Moreover, its translucency lends itself well to RGB lighting, enabling vibrant illumination effects that enhance the aesthetic appeal for gamers and enthusiasts. In contrast, the Elf features a POK (polyketone) top housing, celebrated for its smoothness and durability rather than its acoustic properties. While POK contributes to a more clacky sound, its focused design is more about tactile performance and longevity than the crystalline sharpness found in polycarbonate. Thus, although both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, they achieve their results through different mechanisms in sound production and user interaction.
When we consider the bottom housings of both keyboards, it becomes evident that they share similar characteristics. Both the Dareu Dream and the Huano Elf employ nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is revered in the keyboard community for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness, which dampens sound waves and reduces sharpness. Since nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, both switches benefit from a rounded bottom-out feel and sound. This similarity sets a basis for acoustic consistency in the switches, even though the top housings introduce differing tonal qualities. Thus, the performance of both switches reveals that despite varying top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Dream and POK for the Elf—there remains a shared foundation in terms of sound production and tactile feedback through their nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials in both the Dareu Dream and Huano Elf keyboards emphasizes how the distinct properties of the top and bottom housings work together to craft unique sound profiles. Due to the contrasting materials, users can expect different auditory experiences when typing; the Dream will reflect sharper, more resonant sounds thanks to its polycarbonate top, while the Elf will deliver a more muted, yet smooth sound via its POK top housing. However, both keyboards maintain a consistent depth of sound due to their nylon bottoms, leading to a similar underlying feel across the switches. Therefore, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches demonstrate how varying top constructions combined with a classic nylon bottom can lead to satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the Dream requires a lighter force at 40 grams, while the Elf has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the Dream more suitable, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may be drawn to the Elf. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to compare that aspect directly. However, since they both lack specified values for bottom out force, users may still experience similar tactile feedback when bottoming out. Ultimately, the Dareu Dream is the lighter option, while the Huano Elf provides a heftier keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Dareu Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Elf features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Dareu Dream provides a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile experience, while the shorter distance of the Huano Elf aligns with trends favoring quicker response times, often favored by gamers. Ultimately, if you're looking for enhanced responsiveness, the Huano Elf could be the better option, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced feel may lean towards the Dareu Dream.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Dareu Dream switch produces a clacky auditory signature, characterized by its sharp and snappy tones. This bright and percussive quality makes it a lively choice for typists who enjoy an audible feedback with each keypress. In contrast, while the Huano Elf switch is designed with a POK top housing that aims to enhance acoustics, the specific sound profile isn't detailed. This suggests that while the Elf may provide a distinct sound experience, it is unknown whether it mirrors the Dream's clacky nature or presents a different auditory signature.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch excels with its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation makes for a comfortable typing experience, especially during long sessions, minimizing finger fatigue. Additionally, the desire for a mild switch experience is met here, as the Dream’s gentle resistance and balanced characteristics offer an approachable typing feel that suits a wide range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Elf switch is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile experience and actuation force uncertain.
Considering both sound and feel, the Dareu Dream switch stands out with its pronounced auditory feedback and light, fatigue-free typing experience. The Huano Elf switch, while it features acoustic enhancements, lacks detailed information regarding its sound and feel, leaving potential users to guess the type of experience it provides. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the known qualities of the Dream or are willing to explore the potentially unique characteristics of the Elf. If you're seeking an affordable option with proven sound and feel, the Dream is a reliable choice; however, if you're intrigued by the possibility of a different experience, the Elf could be worth investigating further.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lightweight, effortless typing experience and are looking for an economical option, the Dareu Dream may be your preferred choice. Its "easy-to-press" characteristics make it ideal for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while providing a sharp, clacky sound that adds a fun auditory element to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that produces deeper sound acoustics and offers a medium-light feel, the Huano Elf could be the better option. Its POK top housing enhances sound quality, making it suitable for those who appreciate acoustics and a satisfying typing experience. In essence, consider the Dareu Dream for comfort and affordability, while the Huano Elf caters to those who enjoy richer sound qualities and a distinct typing feel.
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