Dareu Dream vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Black. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that stands out for its lightness and affordability, making it a top choice for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is also a linear switch, known for its smoothness and deep sound profile, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. While the Dream offers an easy-to-press feel and a clacky sound, the MX Black provides a low-pitched and textured typing experience that is slightly stiffer. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Black switches offer unique characteristics that impact the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant typing sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Black switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. The similarities in bottom housing material suggest that both switches may have a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, with differences primarily impacting the press and release of keys.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Black switches differ in their top housing material, their bottom housing material is consistent. This means that the qualities of the top housing, such as creating a sharper or deeper sound profile, will be complemented by the qualities of the bottom housing when typing on the switches. The impact of each housing material on the sound when pressing down on a key versus when releasing a key allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cherry MX Black's heavier 60 grams. While the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, the MX Black requires a substantial 80 grams to fully press down. This means that the Dream would provide a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. In contrast, the MX Black offers a stronger push feel, which may be preferred by users looking for a more solid and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch are equal, with both having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches results in a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a linear switch with a shorter travel distance. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Cherry MX Black, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 switch provides a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch produces a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing feel and atmosphere, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Dream switch is easy-to-press with a mild typing experience, offering gentle resistance during key presses and minimal force required for activation. This light actuation force promotes effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch provides a textured and stiff typing experience, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom out compared to other switches. The noticeable friction in MX Black switches may cater to users who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch offers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, mild typing experience, while the MX Black switch delivers a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and typing force, enthusiasts can choose between these switches to create a customized and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Dream or MX Black, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of performance and reliability in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a more affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a classic smoothness and deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling may be the better option. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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