Dareu Dream vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream, a linear switch, to the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, it is evident that each offers unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear feel and affordability, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile boasts a well-balanced tactility and a distinctive jelly-like sound, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback in their typing experience. 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
65g
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
The Dareu Dream and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant and visually appealing display. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings of the Dream and the Medium Tactile, they differ in material, with the Dream employing a nylon bottom housing while the Medium Tactile also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound output, enhancing the overall typing experience on switches that utilize nylon bottom housings. Despite the differences in the top housings, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings.
In summary, while the Dareu Dream and the Durock Medium Tactile may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they ultimately provide a comparable typing experience for users. The polycarbonate top housings of both switches deliver a sharp and clear sound profile, especially suited for RGB lighting setups, while the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound output. Whether it's the Dream's combination of polycarbonate and nylon or the Medium Tactile's use of nylon throughout, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Dream is a lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Medium Tactile is a heavier option with a bottom out force of 65 grams. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Dream in that aspect. Those who prefer a light touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Dream, while the Medium Tactile would be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Dream providing a lighter typing experience and the Medium Tactile offering a more tangible keystroke response. Overall, selecting between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, users can expect a consistent distance traveled from top to bottom. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of key travel for both switches. Users who prefer a shorter travel distance may find these switches to be suitable for their needs, while those who prefer a longer travel distance may need to explore other switch options. Overall, the travel distance of both the Dareu Dream and Durock Medium Tactile switches provides a satisfying typing experience for users looking for consistency in their switch 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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 offers a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, producing a crisp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and somewhat softer auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a more accented and stepped tactile feel, providing a balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is described as polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. Again, the decision between the two switches would come down to individual preferences in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dream switch excels in providing a light linear option with a clacky sound and easy actuation, the Medium Tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactility, stepped feel, and polished finish. Ultimately, both switches provide quality and affordability in their own right, meaning that users can achieve satisfying typing experiences with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light linear switch with a gentle typing experience and an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream is a great option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you value in a keyboard switch.
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