Dareu Dream vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and the Jwick Ginger Milk are both excellent options when it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is favored for its light linear feel, clacky sound, and mild typing experience, all at an affordable price point, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a balance between quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk stands out for its soft and pastel aesthetic, providing a silky smooth and buttery typing experience with a muted, snappy sound profile. While each switch has its own strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Ginger Milk utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which lends itself to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the difference in sound may be more apparent when comparing the Dream to the Ginger Milk, as other factors such as stem material and switch design can affect the overall sound profile.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This difference in housing material for the bottom of the switch may lead to a noticeable variation in sound and feel when compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. Additionally, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in these switches may provide a balanced sound experience with a mix of sharpness and depth.
While the housing materials in both the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Ginger Milk contribute to their sound profiles, the impact of each material may vary depending on the specific design and materials used in the switches. The bottom housing is said to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This distinction highlights the importance of considering all components of a switch when evaluating its overall feel and sound characteristics, as the combination of different materials can lead to a unique typing experience in each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dream's force is unknown while the Ginger Milk has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Dream may provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Ginger Milk offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Dream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ginger Milk, which may result in a slightly deeper key press feeling. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Ginger Milk with its shorter travel distance. Both switches fall within a range that is common and comfortable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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 sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This can give a satisfying and energetic typing experience for those who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate and versatile sound that can suit a wide range of preferences. Both switches can provide pleasant typing experiences, with the Dream delivering a more pronounced and percussive sound, while the Ginger Milk offers a more subdued and universally accepted sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key activation. This results in a light and effortless typing experience, reducing strain on the fingers during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch is noted for its mild feel, which falls in a comfortable middle ground for most users. In contrast, the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch is lauded for its buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Dream emphasizing ease of use and the Ginger Milk emphasizing fluidity and consistency.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch present different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch offers a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, catering to users who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback and a light typing experience. Conversely, the Ginger Milk switch provides a neutral sound and a buttery feel, appealing to those who prefer a versatile sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer high-quality options that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar levels of performance and satisfaction from either switch, with the main differences lying in the specific qualities of sound and feel they offer.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, you should take into account your preferences and typing needs. If you value a very light linear option with a smooth typing experience and an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a soft and pastel aesthetic, offering a silky smooth and approachable typing feel, then the Jwick Ginger Milk switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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