Dareu Dream vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the ever-popular realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two options stand out for linear switch enthusiasts: the Dareu Dream and the Huano Grape Orange. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their light actuation force and engaging clackiness, offering a satisfying typing experience at an attractive price point—ideal for those who value both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switches excel with their ultra-low 40g actuation force, providing an almost effortless typing sensation that minimizes fatigue during prolonged use, making them particularly suitable for heavy typists. While both switches cater to users seeking a smooth and responsive experience, they each bring unique characteristics to the table. 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
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Huano Grape Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a shared sound profile characterized by sharp, high-pitched, and crisp auditory feedback. This similarity stems from polycarbonate's inherent properties as a stiffer plastic material, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when each key is pressed. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them especially compatible with RGB lighting setups. Thus, regardless of the performance context or specific design intentions, users can expect a bright and lively sound from both switches due to the identical choice of top housing material.
Contrasting with the top housing, both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound to their overall acoustic performance. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb vibrations and diminish higher frequencies, resulting in a more rounded sound profile. This adherence to classic material choice indicates that both switches prioritize a balanced auditory experience, with nylon quieting sharper peaks in the sound spectrum produced by the polycarbonate tops. Therefore, while both the Dream and the Grape Orange may share similarities in their acoustic characteristics, the interactions between the materials ensure that each switch delivers a complex auditory experience shaped by both the stiffer top and the softer bottom.
Ultimately, the sound and feel of a key press on either the Dareu Dream or Huano Grape Orange can be attributed to the unique combination of housing materials. The polycarbonate top significantly influences the sound during actuation, imparting its crisp and clear qualities, while the nylon bottom enhances the experience on the bottom-out, providing a more substantial and plush feel. Since both switches utilize the same materials for the top and bottom housing, maintaining the same acoustic dialogue, users can expect similar performance outcomes when typing or gaming, regardless of the brand choice. Each switch's distinct auditory experience is therefore a harmonious blend of their material properties, promising satisfaction for users who prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar light typing feel when triggering a keystroke. However, the differences become evident with the bottom out forces: the Grape Orange has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unavailable. This suggests that the Grape Orange will provide a firmer resistance at the bottom of the keypress, giving a more substantial feel when bottoming out, while the Dream may lack this definitive resistance. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter, smoother experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream switch, while those who appreciate a heavier feel and a noticeable bottoming out experience will likely favor the Huano Grape Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, it’s clear that the Dareu Dream offers a greater travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference makes the Dream a better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial, hearty feel when pressing down on a key, as longer travel distances often provide a more traditional tactile experience. On the other hand, the Grape Orange's shorter travel distance caters to users who prefer quicker response times, making it well-suited for gamers seeking speed. Ultimately, your preference will determine whether you lean towards the deeper feel of the Dareu Dream or the more responsive touch of the Huano Grape Orange.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switches offer a distinct clacky tone that produces a sharp and snappy sound upon activation. This crisp and bright auditory feedback can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for users who appreciate a more lively soundscape. The Huano Grape Orange switches, however, have no specific sound characteristics documented, so it's uncertain how they compare in this aspect. It’s important to note that the final sound profile of any switch is also influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that while the Dream's sound may stand out for some, the Grape Orange may yield a different auditory experience that is yet to be detailed.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches are characterized by an easy-to-press mechanism that allows for minimal resistance, making them exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions. With their light actuation force and mild feedback, these switches provide a gentle and approachable experience, reducing finger fatigue and making them accessible for a wide range of typists. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Huano Grape Orange linear switches are not specified, leaving an important aspect of their typing experience unaddressed. This absence makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding the tactile journey of each switch.
In summary, while the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in delivering a pronounced clacky sound and an incredibly light and comfortable typing feel, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch remains an enigma with regards to its auditory and tactile attributes. If both switches are designed for effortless typing, users may find similar benefits in terms of actuation force, but the distinct sound quality of the Dream may be a decisive factor for those seeking a more engaging auditory experience. As a newcomer to mechanical keyboards, one can start with the Dareu Dream for its features while keeping an open mind about the Grape Orange, anticipating its hidden qualities to unfold with experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch comes down to your specific preferences and typing habits. If you are an enthusiast seeking a budget-friendly option that delivers a clacky sound and a notably light actuation force, the Dareu Dream is an ideal choice. Its easy-to-press nature makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, allowing you to type comfortably with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bit more resistance and a solid bottom out feel, the Huano Grape Orange might better suit your needs. With a slightly higher bottom out force, it can provide a more stable and controlled experience while still maintaining a lightweight feel during key presses. In summary, if you're looking for a lively, audible switch that excels at comfort and responsiveness, go for the Dareu Dream. Conversely, if you value a bit more tactile feedback and prefer a switch that balances lightness with resistance, the Grape Orange will serve you well. Ultimately, the right choice depends on whether you prioritize a snappier sound and an effortless typing feel or a controlled, steady response in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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