Dareu Dream vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Red linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The Dareu Dream switches are lauded for providing a very light linear option at an attractive price point, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, adding a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard. While both switches offer their own set of benefits, such as the easy-to-press and clacky feel of the Dream switches and the thocky and low-pitched profile of the Gold Red switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Red, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize these characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, the Dream and Gold Red differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing material may affect the overall typing experience for users who prefer a particular type of sound and feel when typing on their keyboard.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Red impact the sound and feel of the switches in different ways. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold Red's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a different typing experience with a crisper sound. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in both aspects. The Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Dream slightly lighter to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream's force is unknown, while the Gold Red requires 50 grams to bottom out, indicating that the Gold Red is heavier in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Dream may be the preferred choice, while the Gold Red would be suitable for those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you'll experience the same amount of travel distance before the key actuates. While some switches may have shorter or longer travel distances, the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Red offer a consistent 4 mm for users looking for a specific feel in their switches. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and actuation, regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Red 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 Red 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 known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, lending a crisp and bright tone to your typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as thocky and low-pitched, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Gold Red switch also has a neutral sound profile that makes it suitable for various settings. When comparing the two, the Dream switch provides a more lively and percussive sound, while the Gold Red switch offers a deeper and more subdued auditory experience.
Regarding feel, both the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Red switches fall under the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Dream switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, providing minimal resistance during key presses for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue. It also offers a mild typing experience that is comfortable and responsive. The Gold Red switch, on the other hand, is described as silky and subtle, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with gentle resistance and a polished finish. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Dream switch focusing more on light actuation and the Gold Red switch emphasizing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and TTC Gold Red linear switch both offer a mild typing experience, they differ in their sound profiles and specific tactile attributes. The Dream switch provides a clacky and easy-to-press typing sensation, ideal for those who enjoy a bright and snappy sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a thocky and silky typing experience, with a deeper and smoother sound profile that is suitable for various environments. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile, the TTC Gold Red switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize affordability and lightness with the Dream switch, or smoothness and a touch of personality with the Gold Red switch. Consider your typing style and sound preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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