Dareu Dream vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Dareu Dream and the Zuoce Lavender. The Dareu Dream switch is a linear option that is highly praised for its light touch, clacky feel, and mild actuation. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers quality that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is also a linear switch known for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. With a crisp and clacky sound signature, each keystroke with the Lavender switch is a satisfying experience. Both options are easy to press and exhibit a clacky sound, but they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
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
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Zuoce Lavender both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lavender's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer a pleasing experience for users, with the Dream's polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonant tones, while the Lavender's POM housing provides a more subdued and unique sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Dream utilizes nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Lavender features a POM bottom housing, contributing to a similarly deep and muted sound experience. While both switches may differ slightly in the exact quality of sound produced by their bottom housings, they both aim to create a pleasing and satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Zuoce Lavender play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. The Dream's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharp and clear top housing sound paired with a deep and full bottom housing sound. Meanwhile, the Lavender's POM top and bottom housings contribute to a unique and pleasing sound with a deep and muted quality. Whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound profile, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Lavender is 53 grams, which is higher than the Dream's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Lavender switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Dream. The difference in actuation force may result in a quicker response time for the Dream switch, while the heavier bottom out force of the Lavender switch might provide a more substantial typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender, which may provide a slightly more "hearty" feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Lavender's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, but overall, they provide similar results in terms of functionality and performance.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender switches are described as producing a clacky sound signature, giving each keystroke a satisfyingly crisp and bright sound. The sound experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Moving on to the feel, both switches are noted for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing by reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Dream switch is further described as mild, falling in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, while both the Dareu Dream and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer a light and easy-to-press typing experience, users can expect a similar clacky sound profile from both. The Dream switch stands out for its affordable price point, making it a great option for enthusiasts seeking a balance of quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Lavender switch boasts exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary blend. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of pricing, smoothness, and any slight differences in sound and feel that might influence your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dream may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing experience and what characteristics matter most to you. Whichever switch you choose, both the Dream and the Lavender offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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