Dareu Dream vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Silent Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer a different typing experience for users. The Dareu Dream is praised for its light linear option and affordability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch but operates silently, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Dareu Dream is known for being clacky and easy-to-press, the MX Silent Red offers a muted, thocky typing experience with a low-pitched and textured feel. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a more muffled and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. However, the top housing of the Dream features polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the MX Silent Red's top housing also utilizes nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile as the bottom housing. This highlights a key difference between the two switches in terms of the material used in their top housing.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dareu Dream offers a clear and translucent look that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This material also contributes to a more resonant and crisp sound profile, creating a unique typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a classic look and feel, focusing more on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches offer distinct qualities in their top housing material, they ultimately serve to enhance the overall typing experience in different ways.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Silent Red may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Dream's mix of polycarbonate and nylon in its top and bottom housing provides a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, making it a versatile option for those who prioritize both sound quality and visual appeal. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing materials offers a more uniform sound profile that is deep and full. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Dream would be the better option as it requires less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red with its 45-gram actuation force would provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation force in their keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Dream being slightly longer and the Silent Red being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Silent Red for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dream switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. If you prefer a more traditional and crisp sound, the Dream switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing overall feel, the MX Silent Red switch would be the better option.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and mild characteristics, offering a gentle and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction during key presses. While the Dream switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, the MX Silent Red switch offers a different tactile experience with its textured sensation. Depending on your preference for typing feedback, you may lean towards the smooth feel of the Dream switch or the textured feel of the MX Silent Red switch.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its affordability and light linear option, providing a satisfying typing experience with a clacky sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a silent operation with a slightly heftier feel and a muted sound profile. Ultimately, both switches excel in different aspects, catering to varying preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prioritize affordability and crisp sound or a quieter typing experience with textured feedback, both the Dareu Dream and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is important to consider your priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a light and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the classic linear feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness with the Dareu Dream switch, or the silent operation and textured feel of the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. Choose the switch that best matches your preferences and typing style for a more enjoyable keyboarding experience.
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