Dareu Dream vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, we see two excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Dareu Dream switches offer a light and clacky typing experience at an attractive price point, making them a popular choice for those seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches provide a silky smooth typing experience thanks to their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, giving them a subdued and polished feel. While the Dareu Dream switches cater to those looking for an easy-to-press and mild switch, the Durock Ice King Linear switches are perfect for those who prefer a frictionless and creamy typing experience. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Durock Ice King Linear both utilize different housing materials for their switches. The Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Dream allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a softer typing feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and Durock Ice King Linear employ nylon as the material of choice. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a duller and rounder sound, offering a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the top and bottom housings differ in material for the Dream, the qualities of nylon are spread throughout the Ice King Linear, providing a more uniform typing experience overall.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Dream and Durock Ice King Linear will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy more distinct typing feedback. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper or rounder sound profile, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream's information is unknown, while the Ice King Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Ice King Linear switch requires more force to fully press the key down compared to the Dream switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream switch, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing might opt for the Ice King Linear switch. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Dream has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Ice King Linear's travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream's 4.0mm travel distance may provide a more traditional keypress feel, offering a deeper press compared to the Ice King Linear's 3.5 mm travel distance. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the Dream and Ice King Linear will depend on personal preference: if you prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress, the Dream may be the better option, while the Ice King Linear may be preferred for those looking for a quicker, more responsive feel.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. When considering the sound of a switch, it's important to note that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, with minimal force required to activate the keys, leading to a comfortable and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. The Dream switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch boasts a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a luxurious sensation of gliding fingers across the keys. The Ice King Linear switch's full nylon construction and generous factory lube contribute to its smooth and refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Dream switch leans towards a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound, while the Ice King Linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the more affordable and light Dareu Dream switch or the premium and smooth Durock Ice King Linear switch to enhance their typing experience. However, it's essential to consider individual preferences and the overall setup, including keyboard board and keycaps, to achieve the desired typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light linear switch with an attractive price point, opt for the Dareu Dream switches. They provide an easy-to-press and mild typing experience that enhances overall comfort during extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear switches are a great choice. With a full nylon construction and generous factory lube, these switches offer a frictionless and creamy typing feel that minimizes resistance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force to ensure the best keyboard switch choice for your needs.
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