Dareu Dream vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and KTT F2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is known for its light linear option with an affordable price point, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the KTT F2 switches stand out with a distinct hollow sound signature and lightly textured feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with a tactile nuance. While the Dream is easy-to-press and clacky, the F2 offers a feathery and subtle typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and KTT F2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound profile, the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Dream and KTT F2 play a significant role. The Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience with a deeper sound, while the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housing can affect the overall typing experience for users. Additionally, as the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key, the materials used in each part of the switch housing can result in distinct sound profiles.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream and KTT F2 utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a similar sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. However, the choice of bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Dream opting for nylon for a deeper sound and the F2 sticking to polycarbonate for a crisper sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users may gravitate towards one switch over the other based on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, we can see that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the F2's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the F2 is 53 grams, which is heavier than the unavailable bottom out force of the Dream. This means that while the Dream requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the F2 provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the KTT F2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 4.0mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.5mm travel distance of the KTT F2 linear switch. Both switches fall within the average range of traditional travel distances, with the Dream being on the longer side and the F2 being on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the F2 with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more satisfying key press with more depth may lean towards the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
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 KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by a clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT F2 linear switch presents a neutral sound profile with a subdued quality, creating a dampened and more subtle sound signature. While the Dream switch provides a more pronounced and percussive sound, the F2 switch offers a quieter and more mellow typing experience, making it suitable for shared spaces or quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with gentle key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. Similarly, the KTT F2 linear switch provides a feathery typing experience, exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users, whether for gaming, school, or work purposes.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch boasts a clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, while the F2 switch features a neutral and subdued sound along with a feathery typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, typing feel, and budget considerations, enthusiasts can choose between these two switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch may also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials used, so experimentation may be needed to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch is a great choice for enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a distinct hollow sound signature and lightly textured feel, the KTT F2 switch is the way to go. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile, the Dream switch may be more appealing, while the neutral and subdued sound profiles of the F2 switch make it suitable for various environments. Lastly, if you prefer an easy-to-press or feathery typing experience, both switches offer those qualities, with the Dream switch feeling milder and the F2 switch providing a subtle and mild feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and budget, ensuring that you find the perfect switch for your typing needs.
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