Dareu Dream vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider, such as feel, sound, and price. The Dareu Dream and Cherry Nixie switches are both linear options, but they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream switches are known for being light and easy-to-press, providing a clacky and mild typing experience at an affordable price point, making them ideal for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches are revered classics in the keyboard community, offering a substantial heft and textured typing experience with a low-pitched thocky sound. Incorporating modern innovations from Cherry's MX2A update, these switches blend tradition with modern features. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, while the Cherry Nixie's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper tone. In contrast, the nylon material in the Nixie creates a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for those looking for a sharper and more defined sound, while the Nixie's nylon top housing is perfect for those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and the Cherry Nixie feature nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent sound quality when typing on both switches. While the bottom housing may not have as much of a noticeable impact on the overall sound profile as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in creating a pleasant typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Dream and the Cherry Nixie comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Dream's combination of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound and a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Nixie's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housing creates a more uniform sound profile throughout typing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer distinct options for different sound preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound characteristics.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams. The Dream switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Nixie switch has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dream switch may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Nixie switch would be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer different options for users based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent and satisfying 4 mm of travel distance. This similarity ensures that the typing experience will be comparable between the two switches, with both offering a smooth linear feel. Overall, whether using the Dareu Dream or the Cherry Nixie, users can expect a reliable and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a more clacky sound, producing a sharp and crisp tone when pressed, which may be appealing to those who enjoy a more distinct and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying noise that resonates with a sense of heaviness and richness. Depending on personal preference, the Dream switch's clacky sound may lend itself well to those who favor a more lively and sharp typing sound, while the Nixie switch's thocky sound appeals to individuals seeking a deeper and mellower tone during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate and providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, enhancing overall comfort. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured feel, implying noticeable friction when pressed. This may cater to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience with a bit of resistance compared to a smoother, friction-free feel. Depending on personal preference, the Dream switch's easy-to-press and mild qualities may suit those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Nixie switch's textured feel may cater to individuals who appreciate a more tactile sensation while typing.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Dream switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, ideal for those seeking a light and gentle typing experience, the Nixie switch delivers a thocky sound and textured feel that appeals to individuals looking for a deeper and more tactile typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options that can enhance your overall typing experience, providing a balance between distinct characteristics and modern innovation in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you value a light and affordable option with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier switch with a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured feel, the Cherry Nixie switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what qualities are most important to you when selecting your mechanical keyboard switch.
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