Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cold Plum are two popular options to consider. The Dareu Dream is known for its light linear feel and attractive price point, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum offers a unique typing experience with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that many enthusiasts enjoy. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Dream featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Cold Plum utilizing a nylon top housing.
The polycarbonate top housing of the Dareu Dream creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the nylon top housing of the Outemu Cold Plum. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cold Plum offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials. The splitting of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a combination of qualities to be felt and heard when typing. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether using polycarbonate or nylon, both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and with less effort. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a more tactile response. While the bottom out force of the Dareu Dream is unknown, the Outemu Cold Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressing the key. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Dareu Dream, while users seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the Outemu Cold Plum for their keyboard setup.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dream. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, while a 3.0 mm distance is considered shallow. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Cold Plum a popular choice for gaming. However, some may find shorter distances too abrupt. On the other hand, the Dream's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Cold Plum 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch has a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, creating a unique typing experience with a satisfying sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Dream being more crisp and bright, while the Cold Plum delivers a deeper and more solid sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch's feel is not specified, but given its smooth keystroke and satisfying sound, it can be inferred that it also offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Dream switch is praised for its affordability and light linear feel, the Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets your needs. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel or a thocky sound with a smooth keystroke, both switches offer quality options that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel and sound. If you prioritize a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream switches would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Cold Plum switches would be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should reflect your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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