Dareu Dream vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Durock Ice King Tactile offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear feel and affordability, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize ease of use and a more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile boasts a smooth and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that combines smoothness and tactility seamlessly. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Both the Dareu Dream and the Durock Ice King Tactile feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a quieter and more satisfying experience. However, the Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it the preferred choice for those looking for a brighter sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Dream stands out with its translucent polycarbonate top housing, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through and create a visually appealing experience. This feature is not present in the Durock Ice King Tactile, whose nylon top housing offers a more classic and understated look. The contrast in housing materials not only affects the sound profile but also plays a role in the overall design and customization options available to users. While the Dream focuses on a more modern and vibrant appearance, the Ice King Tactile opts for a timeless and traditional design.
Despite the differences in their respective top and bottom housing materials, both the Dareu Dream and the Durock Ice King Tactile aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a unique sound profile. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of these switches allow for a balanced sound both when pressing down and releasing a key. Whether you prefer the crisper and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the top housing or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the bottom housing, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic design.
Weight
The actuation force of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 40 grams, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has an actuation force of 58 grams. The bottom out force of the Ice King Tactile is 68 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. In comparison, the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Ice King Tactile, making it easier to type on for extended periods of time. However, the Ice King Tactile provides a stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, making it more suitable for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Bottom out force also plays a role in the typing experience, with the Ice King Tactile being medium-heavy in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier force for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Comparing the two, it is clear that the Dareu Dream switch has a longer travel distance than the Durock Ice King Tactile switch. The longer travel distance of the Dareu Dream switch may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
The Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued sound, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature. When it comes to feel, the Dream switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a silky, frictionless feel with a stepped sensation, combining smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump for a unique typing experience. Overall, while the Dream switch focuses on affordability and light linear keypresses with a clacky sound, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in offering a tactile typing experience with smoothness and a subdued sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, enthusiasts can choose between the Dream for a budget-friendly linear option or the Ice King Tactile for a premium tactile experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize affordability and a light, easy-to-press feel with a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a more premium tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a silky smooth feel, and a subdued sound, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most and which characteristics align best with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
