Dareu Dream vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are notable differences that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is praised for its light linear feel and affordable price point, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu stands out for its enhanced stem stability, smoother keystroke action, and the utilization of POK in its stem. While the Dream is described as easy-to-press, clacky, and mild, the Miaowu is characterized as bouncy and clacky. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the KTT Miaowu, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches also allows for better translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Dream utilizes nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. The Miaowu also uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience as the Dream.
Despite both the Dareu Dream and KTT Miaowu featuring a polycarbonate top housing that creates a clear and resonant sound profile, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Dream's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound while typing. Similarly, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound experience of a switch. Both switches provide unique typing experiences due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch results in distinct tactile and auditory feedback for the Dareu Dream and KTT Miaowu. The bottom housing's impact is felt more when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, showcasing how the material composition of each part of a switch can contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Miaowu linear switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Miaowu switch is 50 grams, which is heavier than the unknown bottom out force of the Dream switch. This means that the Miaowu switch will require a bit more force to fully press down compared to the Dream switch. Generally, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Miaowu switch. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, we can see that the Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Miaowu has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Miaowu, making it the longer option of the two. A 4.0mm travel distance is closer to the traditional range, while 3.5mm is on the shorter end. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Miaowu with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more deliberate keypress may lean towards the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 KTT Miaowu switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, which is favored by many enthusiasts. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream is known for being easy-to-press and offering a mild typing experience. These switches require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable, while also reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Dream switch provide a safe middle-ground typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and KTT Miaowu linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dream switch stands out for its light actuation force and affordable price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch features enhanced stem stability and a bouncy feel, thanks to the use of POK in its stem. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget, but users can expect similar results in terms of clacky sound profiles from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. It offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, perfect for those looking for a gentle and low-impact feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, the KTT Miaowu switch is your answer. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a bouncy feel with spring-like feedback, giving you a lively sensation when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel, price point, and stem stability.
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