Dareu Dream vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw both offer unique features and qualities. The Dareu Dream is known for being a light linear option with a price point that appeals to enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out with its unique material blend that combines Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch. The Dream switch is categorized as easy-to-press, clacky, and mild, while the Keygeek Raw falls into the textured, mild, neutral, and subtle categories. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall performance and sound profile of the switches. The Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Dream's housing results in a more resonant sound when typing and is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend of Nylon & UPE in the top housing may offer a different typing experience with a potentially smoother sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dareu Dream utilizes nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Dream switches. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw features a blend of UMPE & Si in the bottom housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. This unique blend may provide a different tactile experience and sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Dream.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Dream and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw contribute to their individual sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and resonant sound profile, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing may offer a smoother typing experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw may offer a unique tactile feel. Despite the differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users through their choice of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is clear that they have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Keygeek Raw, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw has a heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Dream is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Dream offers a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, the Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the two switches, users can expect different typing experiences based on their preferences for force and weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is clear that the Dream has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm. The Dream's 4.0mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, with a slightly deeper press compared to the shallower 3.4 mm travel distance of the Keygeek Raw. Gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Keygeek Raw a suitable choice for them. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the Dream to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 switch offers a clacky typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a neutral sound that is moderate in volume and actuation force, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments and preferences. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like keyboard construction and keycaps, these switches offer distinct auditory experiences tailored to different preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is characterized by an easy-to-press quality that requires minimal force to activate, promoting a comfortable and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the mild tactile characteristics of this switch offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch features a textured feel that provides noticeable friction during key presses, catering to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback while typing. The mild and subtle attributes of this switch lend themselves to a smoother, lower-impact typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream switch excels in providing a light linear option at an attractive price point, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a balance of quality and affordability, the Keygeek Raw switch stands out with its unique material blend that offers a creamy yet lightweight typing experience. The Dream switch emphasizes a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Keygeek Raw switch delivers a neutral sound and a textured typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to a range of typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a very light switch with no bottom out force and a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a switch with a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so assess your own typing style and needs before making a decision.
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