Dareu Dream vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Dareu Dream and TTC Iron linear switches. The Dareu Dream switches are known for their light linear design and affordable price point, making them a go-to choice for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch showcases TTC's expertise in crafting switches, offering a pronounced clacky sound signature and swift actuation for a satisfying typing experience. Both switches are easy to press, clacky, and mild, but the Iron also boasts a neutral category. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and TTC Iron both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Iron boasts a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Iron's POM top housing provides a more pleasing and unique sound experience. Despite their differences, both housings offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Dareu Dream's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the TTC Iron's POM bottom housing also creates a deeper and more muted sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Dream absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Iron contributes to a unique sound experience that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite these differences, both bottom housings enhance the overall sound profile of their respective switches in their own distinct ways.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's clear that the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing has more influence on the sound when letting go of a key. The unique qualities of the polycarbonate and POM materials in the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Dream and TTC Iron contribute to their individual sound profiles, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, we see that the Dream has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Iron's 41 grams. However, the Iron has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier press needed for full keystroke registration. In contrast, the Dream's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing for extended periods, the Dream may be more suitable. On the other hand, the Iron provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Iron presents a heavier bottom out force for those seeking a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Dream being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Dream for its slightly deeper travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Iron with its shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of feel you prefer when typing or gaming.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 and TTC Iron linear switches both offer a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each press. This characteristic adds a nice auditory feedback to your typing experience, enhancing the overall satisfaction of using the switches. In terms of feel, both switches are easy-to-press with a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force ensures a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The low-impact typing feel of these switches makes them suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream and TTC Iron linear switches share similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel, offering a satisfying typing experience with their clacky sound and easy-to-press feel. While there may be slight differences in the nuances of each switch, users can expect comparable results when using either of these switches. Whether you choose the Dream for its affordability or the Iron for its precision and buttery smooth travel, both switches provide a quality option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a very light linear switch with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a pronounced clacky sound signature and buttery smooth travel, the TTC Iron switch is the way to go. The Iron switch offers a satisfying typing experience with its unique sound profile and swift actuation, making it ideal for users seeking precision and pleasure in every keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness (Dream) or a distinctive sound and smooth travel (Iron) in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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