Dareu Dream vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and the TTC Gold Red Pro are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is favored for its lightness and affordability, providing a smooth typing experience for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro stands out for its versatility, boasting ease of press and a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various uses, whether it be gaming, office work, or casual typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the TTC Gold Red Pro, both switches utilize polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for incorporating RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for top housing in mechanical switches. In terms of sound and aesthetics, both the Dream and the Gold Red Pro benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate, providing users with a pleasing typing experience and visually appealing switch design.
In contrast, the bottom housing material of the Dareu Dream is nylon, while the TTC Gold Red Pro also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, providing users with a distinct typing experience that enhances the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite their differences in top housing material, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both the Dream and the Gold Red Pro offer a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in mechanical switches like the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Red Pro ensures a well-rounded sound profile that caters to different preferences. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. With their unique material choices, both switches offer a blend of sharpness, crispness, and depth in sound, providing users with a customizable and immersive typing experience. Whether opting for the Dream with its polycarbonate top housing or the Gold Red Pro with its nylon bottom housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may opt for the TTC Gold Red Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will 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 TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dream being on the longer side and the Gold Red Pro being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Gold Red Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Dareu Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 typically described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. The Dream switch delivers a more pronounced and crisp sound, while the Gold Red Pro switch offers a more mellow and neutral sound that is suitable for various environments. When considering sound preference, it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a brighter, more percussive sound or a deeper, bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is recognized for its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience. It is also described as providing a mild and approachable typing feel for users. Conversely, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is noted for being polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Dream switch focusing on effortless typing and the Gold Red Pro switch emphasizing smooth key travel and minimal resistance. When considering feel preference, it depends on whether you prioritize ease of typing with minimal fatigue or a polished and silky typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Gold Red Pro switch delivers a thocky sound and polished, silky feel. Depending on your preferences for sound brightness, typing effort, and smoothness, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience accordingly. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, catering to a variety of user preferences and settings. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the TTC Gold Red Pro, you can expect a high-quality linear switch experience tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a very light linear switch with a great price point and quality, the Dareu Dream switch would be a fantastic choice for you. On the other hand, if you value versatility and a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch would be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel, so consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
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