Dareu Dream vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Dareu Dream is popular for its light linear feel and budget-friendly price, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is known for its slightly heavier touch and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While both switches offer unique qualities, such as the Dream's easy-to-press feel and the MX Red's textured typing experience, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. 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
45g
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
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Red switches exhibit some differences in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This allows for a clear and resonant sound when typing on the switch, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more muffled compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
On the other hand, both the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Red switches share a nylon bottom housing material. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Despite the similar housing material used for the bottom, the overall sound experience may still differ between the two switches due to the differences in their top housing materials. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Dareu Dream with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Cherry MX Red with its nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound characteristics, with the top and bottom housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience of each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is difficult to determine which one requires more pressure to fully press down. The lighter actuation force of the Dream switch may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the MX Red switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, the two switches are identical, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Cherry MX Red, you can enjoy the same travel distance when typing on a keyboard equipped with either of these 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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound, with a low-pitched tone that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Dream switch may be more crisp and bright, the MX Red switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound that some users may find more pleasing.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. The MX Red switch, on the other hand, is described as textured, potentially offering a different tactile experience compared to the smoother feel of the Dream switch. Both switches fall within the realm of being mild and approachable, providing a comfortable typing experience for most users.
Overall, when comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is important to consider the individual's preferences for sound and feel. While the Dream switch offers a lighter and perhaps more budget-friendly option with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the MX Red switch provides a slightly heftier feel and a deeper, thocky sound profile. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and may appeal to different users based on their typing preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a very light and affordable option with a clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switch might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured typing experience, then the Cherry MX Red switch would be a better choice. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and budget when making your decision, as both switches have unique characteristics to offer. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Red switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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