Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Blue. The Dareu Dream switch is a linear switch that is known for its lightness and affordability. It is preferred by enthusiasts looking for a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers a distinctive clicking sound with each key press. While the Dareu Dream is characterized by being easy-to-press and clacky, the Outemu Blue does not have any specific characteristics mentioned. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Blue, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. However, the Dream and the Blue differ in their bottom housing material. The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Blue also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Blue are the same, their bottom housing materials provide distinct typing experiences. The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Blue's nylon bottom housing also delivers a similar sound profile, albeit with a duller and rounder tone. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of nylon, which absorbs sound and influences the typing feel. However, the specific characteristics of each switch's bottom housing material will ultimately determine the sound and feel when typing on them.
In terms of sound production, the differences between the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Blue lie in the split qualities introduced by their top and bottom housing materials. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The Dream's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a balanced sound profile with a clear and crisp top end, accompanied by a deep and full bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Blue's housing materials provide a sharper sound profile upon key release and a rounder sound when bottoming out. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Dream may be preferred by those who like a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have unknown values, so it is unclear which one requires more force to fully press down. However, based on the actuation force alone, it can be inferred that the Outemu Blue clicky switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier 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 Outemu Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches offer a similar tactile experience with a standard distance of keypress. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent feel when typing with either switch. Whether using the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the travel distance remains consistent at 4 mm, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can be pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Blue clicky switch sound quality is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is highlighted by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the mild typing experience provided by the Dareu Dream switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone that can be appealing to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, specific information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is not provided, making a direct comparison on feel challenging.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its affordability, light linear feel, and clacky sound profile, making it a desirable option for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a quality typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue clicky switch remain unknown, it is important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and intended usage when selecting the most suitable switch for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, albeit in different ways, so experimenting with both may be the best way to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lightweight linear switch that won't break the bank, the Dareu Dream switch is a great option for you. It offers a gentle typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound, the Outemu Blue switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and smoothness or enjoy the satisfying click and tactile feedback of a blue switch. Choose wisely based on your preferences and typing needs.
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