Dareu Dream vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Orange both offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different user preferences. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its exceptionally light touch, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike who prefer a smooth, effortless keystroke. Its affordability also makes it an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches boast a rich heritage, having been reissued with enhancements to meet modern needs while retaining the essence of the original design. Although not as widely discussed as their Red or Brown counterparts, the MX Orange still delivers a satisfying experience that caters to those who appreciate a dependable linear switch. With the former categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', and 'Mild', the Dareu Dream excites the lighter touch users while Cherry MX Orange appeals to those who value the tradition and reliability in their keyboard choices. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange switches, notable differences in the top housing significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness. This quality makes the Dream particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances light diffusion. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, traditionally known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. Consequently, while the Dareu Dream's sound is more resonant and bright, the MX Orange's nylon top provides a duller and rounder aural experience, which may appeal to users seeking a more muted typing sensation.
Both the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Orange switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. Both switches leverage the unique properties of nylon to produce a deeper and more substantial sound profile when keys are bottomed out. The softness of the nylon material absorbs sound, resulting in a dampened response that enhances user comfort and reduces acoustic harshness. This shared characteristic contributes to a consistent tactile experience, albeit the overall aural results are shaped more by their different top housing materials, thereby adding complexity to their sound production.
Overall, the combination of distinct top housing materials alongside the same nylon bottom housing in both switches produces a varied typing experience. Users can expect a sharper sound from the Dareu Dream due to its polycarbonate top, while the MX Orange delivers a richer and fuller sound through its nylon top. The bottom housings being the same means that some acoustic characteristics will resonate similarly in terms of depth, but the overall auditory experience will diverge with the switch's actuation and release. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for consistent sound absorption properties, their top housing materials individually contribute to a contrasting auditory landscape.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Dream switch requires an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option compared to the MX Orange, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This difference means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter switch for extended use may find the Dream more comfortable for long typing sessions or intensive gaming. In terms of bottom out forces, both switches have unknown values, so we cannot make a direct comparison there. However, since the Dream's actuation force is lower, it may provide a less forceful resistance at the bottom compared to the MX Orange. Overall, those seeking a softer touch may gravitate towards the Dareu Dream, while users who enjoy a more substantial feel might prefer the Cherry MX Orange for its heavier actuation.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning key presses on both switches will feel the same in terms of the distance traveled from top to bottom. Because they share this characteristic, users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming. The equal travel distance indicates that there will be no significant difference in the actuation feel between the two switches, potentially making either choice suitable for those who prefer a consistent linear switch 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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Dream is characterized by its clacky sound profile. This means that when a key is pressed, it produces a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, contributing to an engaging auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the MX Orange is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw a clear comparison. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary based on the specific keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This results in a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, making the typing experience comfortable and effortless, especially during prolonged use. Additionally, the Dream switches are described as mild, appealing to a wide range of users by providing a balanced and approachable typing experience. Conversely, details about the feel of the MX Orange switches are not provided, leaving an ambiguity regarding how they compare in tactile sensation and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel that provides comfort for extended typing, information regarding the Cherry MX Orange's sound and feel remains unknown. If you prioritize auditory feedback and a lightweight action, the Dream may suit you well. However, without further details on the MX Orange, any recommendations or preferences between the two would be speculative. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs in the realm of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and potential users may find it beneficial to try both to determine which aligns best with their personal typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that provides a light and easy-to-press experience with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option. Its affordability and gentle resistance make it ideal for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue and enhancing comfort. On the other hand, if you seek a more established and well-regarded switch with a reputation for reliability, the Cherry MX Orange could be the better choice, particularly if you prefer a more classical switch feel that has undergone enhancements to meet modern demands. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, so consider what features are most important to you—be it sound, feel, or price—before making your decision.
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