United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Blue Jade

An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light and linear feel, along with its affordable price point, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly yet quality option. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade offers a clicky typing experience that some users may prefer. 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

65g

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

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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.

Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. The qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. However, the top housing of each switch plays a role in the sound produced when a key is released. The different housing materials in each switch contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of typing on the switch.

In summary, the Dareu Dream and Outemu Blue Jade differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Dream utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and the Blue Jade using nylon. These materials result in distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound while nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound. The split between top and bottom housing impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique and desirable typing experiences based on their housing materials.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch reveals some key differences. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and efficiently. In contrast, the Blue Jade requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, the Blue Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when pressing all the way down. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Dream, while those looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the Blue Jade.

Travel distance

The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a standard amount of distance, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, providing similar results when it comes to keypress feel and feedback.

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 Jade 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 to produce a clacky sound when pressed, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have a specific sound description available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press and mild, providing a typing experience that is gentle and effortless. These switches offer a light actuation force, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is unknown.

In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its light linear option, affordability, clacky sound, and easy-to-press, mild feel. While the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have specific information available for sound and feel, it is important to consider your individual preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Dream providing a light touch and smooth performance, while the Blue Jade likely offers a more tactile and clicky typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should choose the Dream if you prefer a light linear switch with easy-to-press keys and a more affordable price point. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy clicky switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Blue Jade is the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and budget. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what features are most important to you when choosing between the two.

Mentioned in this article