Dareu Dream vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Light Sakura both stand out as excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and situations. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its light actuation and unique clacky sound profile, offering an engaging typing experience that balances quality with affordability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on silent operation, providing a whisper-quiet experience that is perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort and discretion are paramount—ideal for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches promise an ultra-light feel, they each bring distinct advantages to the table: the Dream for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback, and the Light Sakura for users prioritizing stealth and reduced fatigue. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Light Sakura share a common element in their top housings, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate is advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting, allowing backlighting to glow vividly through the clear housing. Thus, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience from the top housing, contributing to bright and clear sound output.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two models diverge significantly in terms of their material composition. The Dareu Dream utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for its softer properties that absorb more sound. This leads to a deeper and fuller auditory experience, creating a rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing. This choice reinforces the sharper sound profile typical of polycarbonate, resulting in a more pronounced and resonant typing experience. Users considering these switches should note that the differences in bottom material will greatly influence the overall sound and feel, particularly at the point of bottoming out.
Given these distinctions in bottom housing materials, the overall timbre and feel of each switch will vary depending on which materials are used. The Dareu Dream will produce a richer tone, ideal for users who prefer a fuller sound while typing, facilitated by the nylon bottom housing that dampens the higher frequencies typically produced by stiffer plastics. Conversely, users of the Bsun Light Sakura can anticipate a consistent polycarbonate sound profile throughout the switch, maintaining clarity and sharpness. The impact of these materials will be most noticeable when a key is released, whereby the polycarbonate's capabilities in the top housing will shine, contrasting with the soft, round nature of the nylon found in the Dream. Thus, while both switches may deliver pleasing results depending on user preferences, the unique combination of materials greatly influences their respective sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Light Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a gentler touch for longer typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream is currently unknown, while the Light Sakura's bottom out force is set at 43 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. Thus, based on the available information, the Dareu Dream can be considered the heavier switch in terms of actuation force, but the overall typing experience may be affected by the missing bottom out force data. For users prioritizing lighter switches, the Light Sakura stands out as the preferable option, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial push might lean towards the heavier feel of the Dream, despite the uncertainty surrounding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a noticeable difference is evident. The Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, which represents a more traditional depth and provides a satisfying tactile feel during key presses. In contrast, the Light Sakura features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the trend toward quicker response times favored by gamers. This shorter travel distance can lead to faster actuation, appealing to those who prioritize speed. Consequently, the Dream is the longer option, offering a deeper keypress experience, while the Light Sakura is shorter and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more responsive and agile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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
The Dareu Dream linear switch delivers a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. This crisp and bright auditory feedback can add an engaging factor to typing sessions, making it appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic sound experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed to operate quietly, ensuring a silent typing experience that is particularly suited for environments where noise is a concern. This makes the Light Sakura a great choice for users in shared spaces or offices, where discretion is paramount.
When it comes to feel, the Dream switch is characterized by an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to actuate, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It offers a mild typing experience, balancing comfort with responsiveness, making it approachable for a wide range of users. The Light Sakura also boasts an ultra-light feel, emphasizing comfort in extended usage, but lacks detailed information about its specific pressure characteristics. Both switches cater to users looking for a low-impact typing experience, though the Dream's mild resistance might create a different tactile sensation compared to the complete silence of the Light Sakura.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a lightweight and comfortable typing experience, both the Dareu Dream and Bsun Light Sakura switches offer unique advantages. The Dream's clacky sound can provide an exciting auditory experience, while the Light Sakura's silent operation promotes a discreet typing atmosphere. Each switch carries its own set of qualities that cater to different user preferences, making them both solid options depending on your environmental needs and personal taste in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose Dareu Dream linear switches or Bsun Light Sakura linear switches, it is essential to evaluate your specific typing needs and environment. If you're looking for a remarkably light and easy-to-press switch that enhances your typing comfort, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice, particularly if you're an enthusiast seeking quality at an affordable price. The "clacky" sound profile adds a delightful auditory feedback, making it a fun option for casual use, despite potentially being a bit too loud for very shared spaces. On the other hand, if your focus is on sustained comfort with minimal noise disruption, especially in quieter office or shared environments, the Bsun Light Sakura is your ideal switch. Its silent operation and gentle actuation force are perfect for long typing sessions and allow you to type without drawing attention to your actions. Ultimately, your selection should align with your preference for acoustics and the kind of typing experience you seek, whether that's the snappy excitement of the Dream or the soft serenity of the Light Sakura.
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