Dareu Dream vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Durock Koala offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light touch and affordable price, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a smooth typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect middle ground between a pronounced bump and a satisfying feel, ideal for users who want a more tactile typing experience without it being too overwhelming. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, making these switches visually appealing as well. However, the housing material of the Dream's polycarbonate top allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, while both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound characteristics.
On the other hand, both the Dream and the Koala have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. Nylon tends to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material for the bottom housing. This means that the bottom housings of these switches have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Dream and the Durock Koala lie in their top housings, with the Dream's polycarbonate offering a slightly clearer and more resonant sound profile compared to the Koala's polycarbonate top. However, both switches share similar benefits in terms of sound characteristics, with their nylon bottom housings providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Whether you choose the Dream or the Koala, you can expect a satisfying sound and feel when typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Dream, whose bottom out force is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Dream may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and heavier keystrokes may lean towards the Koala. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Dream being more crisp and bright, while the Koala delivers a deeper and more atmospheric sound. Depending on your personal preference, you can expect a satisfying typing sound with either switch, complemented by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and mild typing experience, offering gentle resistance and a low-impact feel that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a polished and accented typing feel, featuring a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Koala switch offers a stepped and stiff tactile feel, providing a moderate amount of tactility without being overwhelming, perfect for users who prefer a more pronounced bump without excessive force requirement. Whether you enjoy a light and effortless typing feel or a more refined and accented tactile experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch offers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing feel, ideal for users looking for a light linear switch. On the other hand, the Koala switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, coupled with a polished and accented tactile feel that suits those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate amount of feedback. Both switches excel in their own right, offering a balance of affordability, quality, and performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Dream for its affordability or the Koala for its unique tactile feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and typing habits. If you are looking for a light linear switch that offers easy-to-press keystrokes at an affordable price, then the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a polished finish and a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, then the Durock Koala switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you prefer, whether it be a smooth and light feel with the Dream switch or a more tactile and polished feel with the Koala switch.
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