Dareu Dream vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Dareu Dream is known for its light linear feel and attractive price point, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown offers a balanced experience with a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, along with a softer sound profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, providing different typing experiences for users. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Brown feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, the Dream and Gold Brown may still offer subtle differences in sound due to other factors such as stem material and design.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dream and Gold Brown utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. This material produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The sound profile of switches with nylon bottom housings tends to be duller and rounder compared to those with stiffer materials. While both switches share this common bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may differ based on other components such as springs and stem design.
The combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Brown respectively create a unique typing experience for each switch. While the qualities of each material are distinct, they work together to deliver a balanced sound profile that caters to different preferences. The split design of utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences sound when releasing a key. Whether users prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer a range of options to suit individual typing preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, while the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams. In terms of weight, the Dream linear switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for long work hours or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Brown tactile switch would cater to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, providing users with options based on their personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer a consistent travel distance, providing a similar typing experience for users. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback. Despite being equal in travel distance, the Dareu Dream linear switch may offer a smoother typing experience compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch due to its linear design. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides more feedback for typists who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences based on their design characteristics.
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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Dream being more distinctive and the Gold Brown being more versatile.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle tactile feedback and requiring minimal force to activate. The Dream is described as easy-to-press, enhancing the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Gold Brown is highlighted by its buttery and accented feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming yet noticeable. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with slightly different characteristics.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences while still offering quality and performance. The Dream switch emphasizes a sharp and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, ideal for users who prefer a lighter linear option. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch provides a balanced sound profile and a buttery, accented feel, appealing to those looking for a tactile switch with a moderate weightiness. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch might be the best choice for you. It offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, perfect for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown switch is a great option. It provides a buttery and accented typing feel, along with a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness (Dream) or balance and tactile feedback (Gold Brown) in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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