Dareu Dream vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Silver both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is lauded for its light linear feel and affordability, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize ease of pressing and a clacky experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and solid bottom-out, delivering a polished and thocky typing sensation with a low-pitched, silky sound profile. While the Dareu Dream is known for its affordability and light touch, the TTC Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite both switches sharing this material for their top housing, they may still have unique sound characteristics based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
On the other hand, both the Dream and Gold Silver utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This consistency in bottom housing material may lead to both switches providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences between the housings of the Dareu Dream and TTC Gold Silver can affect the sound profile of the switches. While the top housing may impact the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile and nylon bottom housings for deeper tones, the combination of these materials may offer unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Gold Silver linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Dream the lighter of the two. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Dream would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gold Silver's shorter travel distance could result in a faster response time, which is favored by many gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper key press with the Dareu Dream or a quicker response with the TTC Gold Silver.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 characterized by a clacky sound profile, known for its sharp and snappy sound when pressed which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound with a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released, accompanied by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Dream offers a more energetic and lively sound, while the Gold Silver provides a deep and rich tone with a mellow and bass-heavy quality, catering to different preferences in auditory experiences.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, with gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This results in a low-impact and responsive typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction due to factory lubing or high-quality materials. Additionally, the Gold Silver switch offers a subtle and mild typing feel, maintaining a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in providing a light and energetic sound profile coupled with an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a thocky and neutral sound profile with a polished and silky typing feel, catering to users who prefer a deeper and more refined typing experience. Both switches present distinct qualities that appeal to different preferences, but they both offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and affordable linear switch with a smooth typing experience, the Dareu Dream linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, decisive bottom-out, and a harmonious sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch would be the ideal option for your needs. Consider your preferences in key feel, sound, and budget when making your decision between these two exceptional switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and requirements.
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