Dareu Dream vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options on the market are the Dareu Dream and the TTC Flaming Pink, both of which fall into the linear category. The Dareu Dream switches are renowned for their light actuation force, making them easy to press and ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy a responsive feel without any resistance. Additionally, their attractive price point caters to enthusiasts who prioritize quality while staying budget-conscious. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches offer a more premium typing experience, combining a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between audible feedback and subtlety, making them equally suited for gaming and daily tasks. While the Dream is appreciated for its clacky yet mild auditory profile, the Flaming Pink provides a bright sound that ensures an enjoyable keystroke without being overly loud. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the TTC Flaming Pink both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a choice that brings about a multitude of similarities in their auditory profiles. As noted in their descriptions, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly favorable for those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience. This material also excels in aesthetics, especially when it comes to RGB lighting setups, due to its translucency. Given that both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a similar clarity and brightness in sound when typing, creating an engaging auditory experience that might appeal to gamers and typists alike.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Dareu Dream and the TTC Flaming Pink are made from nylon, a material known for its soft texture. This particular choice leads to notable differences in the sound profile and tactile feedback during typing. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder materials, leading to a rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. As a result, the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches allows for a unique blend of sound characteristics—where the crispness from the polycarbonate enhances the release sound, while the nylon contributes to a softer and deeper typing sensation.
As a result of their complementary materials—the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom—both the Dareu Dream and TTC Flaming Pink deliver an overall harmonious typing experience. While the polycarbonate contributes bright and clear sounds during the key release, the nylon bottom softens the impact sound and adds warmth to the typing experience. This inherent balance in material properties means that users can enjoy the benefits of both designs, achieving a similar yet distinct auditory and tactile outcome with each press of the switches. Ultimately, the combination of these two carefully selected materials in both switches result in a cohesive sound profile and feel that is appealing to various users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Dareu Dream features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the TTC Flaming Pink requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may favor the Dream switch for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to activate. However, the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unknown, whereas the Flaming Pink has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial feel when pressed all the way down. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile and weighty typing experience. Ultimately, the Dareu Dream is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, making it potentially better suited for prolonged use, while the TTC Flaming Pink will provide a firmer feedback at the bottom of the keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Dream offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Flaming Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm can impact the typing experience significantly. The Dream, with its more traditional longer travel, may appeal to users who enjoy a fuller key press and prefer the hearty depth that comes with it. On the other hand, the Flaming Pink’s shorter travel distance is designed for those seeking quicker response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two options comes down to personal preference: if you favor a more responsive feel, the TTC Flaming Pink would be the better option; however, if you appreciate a more substantial key press, the Dareu Dream would be the ideal selection.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 switches deliver a clacky auditory signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This crisp and percussive quality contributes to an engaging typing experience, though it may be somewhat dependent on the specific keyboard setup and keycaps used. While the TTC Flaming Pink switches do not have a specific sound description available, they are noted to offer a bright sound profile that is not overly loud, suggesting a more subdued auditory experience compared to the more vibrant clack of the Dream switches. Consequently, if sound is your primary concern, the Dareu Dream may better suit those seeking an audible feedback, while the Flaming Pink could appeal to users desiring a less intrusive sound during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switches are characterized by their easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, which greatly enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during lengthy sessions. The mild characteristics of the Dream switches provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. In contrast, information regarding the tactile feel of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switches is currently unknown. Therefore, while one can expect a smooth and responsive experience from the Flaming Pink, the absence of specific descriptors makes it hard to draw precise comparisons between their tactile feedback and the comfortable, lightweight feel provided by the Dream switches.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and light touch, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for comfort and auditory feedback at an attractive price point. The TTC Flaming Pink switches, while less defined in terms of tactile qualities and sound, promise a premium typing experience suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a lively and lightweight typing experience, the Dream might be the better option, while the Flaming Pink may be an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth keypress without it being overly loud.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, it’s essential to consider your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a light typing experience with minimal resistance, especially for long typing sessions or if you're prone to finger fatigue, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and effortlessness in actuation create a comfortable environment for both typing and gaming while remaining budget-friendly. However, if you seek a premium feel and a more balanced sound that enhances your typing experience without being intrusive, the TTC Flaming Pink is the way to go. Its satisfying bottom-out sound and slightly firmer 50-gram force provide a responsive experience that suits both gamers and those who use their keyboard for various tasks throughout the day. Ultimately, both switches excel in different areas, so weigh these factors according to your typing habits and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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