Dareu Dream vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear feel and affordable price point, making it a great option for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. The all-POM housings and smooth actuation of the Kiki Red switches create a polished and silky feel, appealing to those who value subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Bsun Kiki Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more high-pitched typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different typing experience that may be preferred by those looking for a quieter keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches have different materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing offers a similarly deep and muted sound, making it a suitable option for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom may differ between the Dareu Dream and Bsun Kiki Red, the qualities of each material ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience of the keyboard. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate housing or a deeper, more muted sound with POM housing, both keyboards offer unique options for varied preferences. Ultimately, both keyboards showcase how different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dream's force is unknown while the Kiki Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it heavier. This means that the Dream switch may provide a lighter typing experience overall, which could be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces. If someone is accustomed to lighter switches, the Dream may be the preferred option, while those who prefer a heavier touch may lean towards the Kiki Red for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Dareu Dream the longer of the two switches. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Dareu Dream is more traditional and provides a deeper press, which may be preferred by some users for its hearty feel. On the other hand, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red is slightly shallower, making it more geared towards users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Dareu Dream offering a longer distance for a more traditional typing experience and the Bsun Kiki Red providing a shorter distance for quicker responses.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 it comes to sound, both the Dareu Dream and Bsun Kiki Red switches are known for their clacky characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This makes them both suitable choices for users who enjoy a distinctive auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream switches are described as easy-to-press and mild, offering gentle resistance and a low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switches provide a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel, making typing smooth and effortless. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Bsun Kiki Reds stand out for their refined and buttery feel, appealing to users who prioritize smoothness in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switches are an excellent choice for those seeking a light linear option that combines quality with affordability, providing a pleasant typing experience with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switches offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a unique sound signature and a variety of smooth and buttery feel options. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to select based on their individual typing preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you should opt for the Dream if you prioritize affordability while still wanting a light linear option with an easy-to-press feel. The Dream switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience at a budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, if you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a medium-light weighting and creamy, frictionless feel, the Bsun Kiki Red may be the better choice for you. The Kiki Red switches provide a unique sound signature and smooth actuation, making them a preferred option for enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and budget constraints.
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