Dareu Dream vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Durock Lupine both offer unique features for enthusiasts to consider. The Dareu Dream switch is a light linear option, providing a satisfyingly clacky feel at an affordable price point, making it a top choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine offers a two-stage long spring mechanism for a consistent weight distribution and powerful upward movement, along with a classic clacky sound profile. While the Dream switch is easy-to-press and mild, the Lupine switch is noted for its neutral feel, mild actuation, high-pitched sound, and polished design. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Durock Lupine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this housing material, the specific design and build of each keyboard may result in slightly different sound profiles despite the similarities in material.
On the other hand, both the Dream and Lupine have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the overall typing experience of the switches, offering a unique feel and sound compared to other housing materials such as polycarbonate. Despite the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, the individual design and construction of each switch may still contribute to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Dream and Durock Lupine provide a balance of sharpness and clarity in sound, as well as depth and fullness in typing experience. While both switches share similar characteristics due to their housing materials, the overall design and build quality of each keyboard will play a significant role in shaping the user's ultimate typing experience. Whether it's the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound or the influence of the top housing on the key release sound, each switch offers a unique blend of qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we see that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Lupine's unknown actuation force. However, the Lupine has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Dream's bottom out force is not specified. This means that the Dream switch may provide a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, users can expect different results in terms of feel and responsiveness when using these switches due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dream being on the longer side and the Lupine being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Lupine for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing experience.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a more neutral sound with a high-pitched tone, generating a sharp and crisp sound upon activation. While both switches deliver distinct sound profiles, the Dream switch will give you a louder and more pronounced click, whereas the Lupine switch offers a smoother and more moderate sound experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for a louder or more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction due to its refined finish. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Dream switch leaning towards a more responsive and low-impact experience, while the Lupine switch focuses on a smooth and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, catering to enthusiasts looking for a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine switch provides a neutral sound with a high-pitched tone and a mild, polished feel, ideal for users seeking a more refined and gentle typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, both options will provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. If you prefer a louder and more responsive typing feel, opt for the Dareu Dream switch, while the Durock Lupine switch offers a smoother and more polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and performance at a reasonable price point, ensuring a top choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider your priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate actuation force with a two-stage long spring design that offers a more powerful rebound and high-pitched sound profile, the Durock Lupine switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to carefully consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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