Dareu Dream vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between linear and tactile options. On one hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its light and easy-to-press feel, coupled with a pleasant clacky sound, all at an attractive price point. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a balance of quality and affordability. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a different experience with its gentle tactility that is soft and seductive. Additionally, its neutral sound profile and polished feel make it a popular choice among users seeking a more refined 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, we can see that they both have similar features in terms of their nylon bottom housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Despite being from different brands, the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ, with the Dream featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Meteor Orange boasts a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Dream's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange provides a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in top housing material results in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences between the two switches.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and SP-Star Meteor Orange have their differences, they also share some similarities. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, despite the different top housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience by enhancing sound quality through their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch reveals noticeable differences. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Meteor Orange, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Dream's bottom out force remains unknown. This means that the Dream switch would be lighter to press when initiating a keystroke, but it is uncertain how much force is needed to fully press the key down compared to the Meteor Orange, which offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements. If both actuation and bottom out forces are equal for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm. This ensures a uniform typing experience whether you are using the Dareu Dream or the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches means that you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation point. Overall, the travel distance of 4mm for both switches offers a satisfying typing experience for users looking for consistency and reliability in their mechanical switches.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings, and also offers a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used in combination.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring little force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The switch also provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Conversely, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, along with a polished finish that results in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch is a budget-friendly option with a light linear feel and a clacky sound profile, ideal for those seeking affordability without compromising on quality. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, guaranteeing a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, you should base your decision on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light linear switch with a very easy-to-press feel and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile switch with a gentle typing experience and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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