Dareu Dream vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Dareu Dream and the Keygeek Keylin both stand out for different reasons. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its very light actuation and attractive price point, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who crave quality without breaking the bank. Its characteristics—being easy-to-press, clacky, and mild—provide an approachable typing experience that can suit a wide range of users, especially those who value a tactile auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin switch leverages innovative mold designs to deliver a premium typing experience that boasts exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics. This switch appeals to those who prioritize a refined tactile experience and enjoy the subtle auditory nuances of their keystrokes. While both switches offer unique advantages—affordability and lightness for the Dareu Dream versus premium feel and sound for the Keygeek Keylin—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and Keygeek Keylin switches exhibit contrasting characteristics that significantly influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Dareu Dream incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This stiff material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, lending a crisp clarity to keystrokes, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. In contrast, the Keylin’s top housing is made from nylon, a classic material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. This material's softer composition absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. The difference in the top housings is crucial, as the polycarbonate of the Dream will yield more vibrant and resonant sounds, while the Keylin will offer a softer yet more subdued acoustic profile.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we see a shared material—nylon—used in both the Dareu Dream and Keygeek Keylin, which provides a consistent factor in their sound characteristics. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out feel and sound, both switches benefit from the nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper auditory experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that regardless of their differences in the top housing materials, users will experience a comparable depth and roundness in their auditory feedback when bottoming out. This shared nylon material serves as a common denominator that unifies their sound characteristics in this regard.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches delineates their distinct audio profiles. The Dareu Dream, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, will provide users with a bright and resonant sound upon release, owing to the sharp characteristics of polycarbonate, while still giving a fuller sound when bottoming out due to the nylon. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin's nylon top and bottom ensure a consistently deep and muffled sound throughout its operation. Thus, although the switches differ in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both models can achieve a rounded, deeper sound, especially concerning the tactile sensation of bottoming out when pressed.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Dareu Dream requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Keylin is slightly lighter at 38 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, the Keylin may provide a more comfortable experience. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream is unavailable, making it difficult to assess its overall performance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Keylin has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when keys are fully depressed. For users who enjoy a firmer typing experience, the Keylin's heavier bottom out may be preferable, while those seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Dareu Dream due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keylin has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Dream provides a more substantial and deeper key press, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a hearty feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Keylin's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Keylin would be the optimal choice, while those who favor a more traditional, deeper press would likely lean towards the Dareu Dream.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 examining the sound profile of these two linear switches, the Dareu Dream clearly stands out with its characteristic "clacky" quality. The clacky nature produces a sharp, snappy sound that can be likened to a crisp, bright percussive note, adding an engaging auditory dimension to the typing experience. On the other hand, details regarding the sound of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch are currently unknown. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound will significantly depend on the keyboard construction, switch mounting, and keycap material chosen, a factor that applies equally to both switches.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch offers an exceptionally light touch, with descriptors such as "easy-to-press" and "mild." These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, minimizing fatigue during lengthy sessions and ensuring a comfortable interaction with the keyboard. The light actuation force allows for quick and effortless key presses, creating a responsive feel. Details regarding the tactile feel of the Keylin switch, however, are not made available at this time, leaving a gap in the overall comparative analysis.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream holds a significant advantage in terms of both sound and feel due to its noteworthy clacky noise and gentle actuation, the specifics of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remain uncertain. If you're seeking a switch with a delightful auditory response and a light tactile experience, the Dareu Dream offers a compelling case. Should the Keylin switch provide a similarly premium feel or sound quality, it could present an intriguing alternative, but further information on these aspects is needed to firm up that comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and budget considerations. If you prioritize a light actuation force and seek an affordable option that emphasizes ease of use and comfort for extended typing sessions, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a premium typing experience characterized by smoothness and rich acoustics, the Keylin linear switch, with its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, may cater better to your needs. While it commands a higher price point, the quality of the materials and construction used in the Keylin switch is evident in its performance. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value an effortless typing feel and a lively sound or if you prefer a more refined and robust typing experience with a customized acoustic profile.
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