Dareu Dream vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh their options based on factors such as sound, feel, and affordability. The Dareu Dream and Haimu Orange Sea, both linear switches, offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its light and easy-to-press design, coupled with an appealing price point, making it an ideal choice for those who seek quality performance without breaking the bank. Its clacky yet mild auditory profile provides an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches excel in delivering an impeccably smooth feel accompanied by a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Both switches present strong cases for linear switch enthusiasts, yet they diverge in tactile characteristics and auditory feedback. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Haimu Orange Sea share a significant similarity in their use of materials for their switch housings, specifically the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches. This common material choice leads to a comparable sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate not only ensures clarity and resonance in sound but also allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting thanks to its translucent nature. Therefore, users looking for vibrant lighting effects will find that both switches excel in this area, as the polycarbonate top housing is designed to enhance the visual aesthetics while producing a clean sound profile.
Conversely, the materials used for the bottom housing of both switches are identical as well—nylon, a classic choice noted for its sound-absorbing properties. Nylon provides a deeper, fuller sound when typing, due to its softer chemistry that dampens vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, despite the differences in sound characteristics attributed to the top and bottom housings, the Dareu Dream and Haimu Orange Sea will deliver similar auditory experiences at the bottom-out point due to their nylon bottoms. The resulting sound profile is distinctly rounder, creating a satisfying tactile experience that lends itself well to both casual and serious typing scenarios.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Haimu Orange Sea may differ in brand and potentially other design features, their identical materials for the top and bottom housings result in a notably unified performance. The polycarbonate top contributes to a bright, resonant sound and pairs well with RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom ensures a rich, full-bodied auditory experience that is often preferred among typists. As such, those who opt for either switch can expect similar acoustic properties and an enjoyable typing experience, showcasing the effectiveness of their material selections in delivering satisfactory results in both areas.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we observe some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Orange Sea has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Dream switch requires more force to actuate, offering a more substantial push feel, likely preferred by users who enjoy a heavier typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange Sea switches bottom out at 45 grams, a measurement that is currently unknown for the Dream switch. As a result, while the Orange Sea is the lighter option when it comes to actuation, it still provides a heavier overall feel due to its bottoming out force. Therefore, for users looking for a switch that is easier to actuate and offers a lighter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the preferred choice, whereas those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback might lean towards the Dareu Dream.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Dream provides a more pronounced key press, which can be appealing for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. Conversely, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor rapid key response, making it a potentially better option for gamers looking for quick actuations. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you appreciate a more substantial key travel, the Dareu Dream would be the better choice, while the Haimu Orange Sea would suit those who prefer a snappier feel.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
The sound profile of the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by a clacky tone, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. This crispness lends itself to a bright and percussive auditory experience, making typing feel engaging and dynamic. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is noted for its neutral sound signature. This means it tends to offer a more subdued auditory experience, allowing for quiet typing sessions without excessive distraction. While the Dream's clacky nature adds a lively character to typing, the Orange Sea is likely to appeal to users seeking a more muted environment. However, it’s important to note that the ultimate sound experience can vary greatly depending on other factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps.
When considering the feel of these two switches, the Dareu Dream is noted for its easy-to-press nature and mild characteristics. The light actuation force makes each keystroke effortless, fostering a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. Its mild nature also makes it approachable for a wide range of users, ensuring it strikes a balance that many find appealing. On the other hand, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea remains unspecified, leaving users to wonder if its smooth typing experience can match the Dream’s ease and comfort. Thus, while the Dareu Dream boasts a distinct and enjoyable tactile experience, the Haimu Orange Sea may present its own unique qualities, though these are yet to be unveiled.
In summary, the Dareu Dream switch is distinguishable by its clacky sound and light, comfortable feel, making it suitable for an engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a neutral sound profile, the specifics of which are currently unknown, and its feel has not been detailed. If you’re looking for a light and responsive switch with an engaging auditory feedback, the Dream may be your best bet. However, if you prefer a more understated sound or are curious about the potential subtleties of the Orange Sea, further exploration will be necessary to uncover its feel and overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a very light actuation and desire a budget-friendly option, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile paired with an easy-to-press feel makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a snappy typing experience and may frequently engage in prolonged typing sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Haimu Orange Sea would be more suitable, offering a neutral sound signature and a satisfying response that caters well to both gaming and typing without drawing too much attention in sound. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you value a playful, lively typing experience or a sleek, smooth feel—a decision that should align with how you intend to use your keyboard daily.
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