Dareu Dream vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Dareu Dream and the TTC Honey, both linear switches. The Dareu Dream switches are known for being light and budget-friendly, making them a great choice for enthusiasts looking for quality at an affordable price. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches offer a smooth and creamy feel with a pleasant sound profile, providing a different typing experience. While the Dream is characterized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Honey is described as subdued, buttery, and polished. 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
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and TTC Honey both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which helps create a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that use RGB lighting. However, the Dream utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of sound profile, the Dareu Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the TTC Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. The Dream's nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Honey's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches. Additionally, the material of the top housing in both switches plays a role in the sound when pressing the key and releasing it, further contributing to the overall feel and sound profile of the switches.
While both the Dareu Dream and TTC Honey utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Dream's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a unique typing experience that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon. On the other hand, the Honey's consistent use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing creates a more uniform sound profile throughout the typing process. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is preferred by individual users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Honey requires a slightly heavier 42 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream's force is unknown, while the Honey has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light. The lighter actuation force of the Dream may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Honey may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Overall, while the Dream offers a lighter actuation force, those looking for a slightly heavier switch may find the Honey to be a better fit for their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Dareu Dream being slightly longer than the TTC Honey. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the TTC Honey, while those who enjoy a more robust sensation when typing or gaming may opt for the Dareu Dream's longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 switch offers a clacky sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch produces a subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle typing noise. If you prefer a louder and more percussive sound, the Dream switch would be the way to go, while the Honey switch caters to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience. Additionally, it is described as having a mild feel, appealing to a wide range of users with its approachable characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is lauded for its creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished feel. It provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a silky sensation and minimal resistance. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys with ease, the Honey switch would be a great choice.
When considering all the available information, it is clear that the Dareu Dream and TTC Honey linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dream switch presents a sharper and easier-to-press option with a clacky sound, the Honey switch provides a smoother and creamier typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions. However, both switches offer quality options in their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider the following guidelines. You may want to choose the Dareu Dream switch if you value a very light linear option at an attractive price point, making it a great choice for those seeking quality and affordability. The Dream switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a light bottom out force, the TTC Honey switch may be the better option for you. The Honey switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, buttery feel and offers a subdued sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and budget.
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