Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct characteristics for enthusiasts to consider. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that is highly regarded for being light and affordable, making it a great option for those looking for a smooth typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that does not have a specific standout feature, but is known for its reliability and consistency. While the Dream offers an easy-to-press and clacky feel, the Cream Yellow provides a mild tactile 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cream Yellow both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing sound. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, offering a more muted and rounder typing experience. While both housing materials offer different sound profiles, they each have their own distinct appeal based on personal preference.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile across both switches, regardless of the brand or model. The impact of the bottom housing is mainly felt during the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer a softer touch.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Cream Yellow may differ in terms of top housing, they both offer a unique typing experience based on their respective material properties. Whether you prefer the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the Dream or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Cream Yellow, both switches cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound quality due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. However, the bottom out force for the Cream Yellow is heavier at 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Dream's bottom out force is unknown, but based on the actuation force being lighter, it would likely result in a softer bottoming out feel compared to the Cream Yellow. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Dareu Dream, while those seeking a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we see that the Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dream. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Dream is more traditional, giving a bit more depth to each key press, while the 3.3mm travel distance of the Cream Yellow offers a shallower experience. Gamers looking for fast response times may prefer the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dream. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and what feels more comfortable for the individual.
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 Cream Yellow 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 producing a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. It should be noted that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring little force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue, making extended typing sessions more enjoyable. Additionally, the switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. The specific feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is not provided.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its light and affordable linear option, offering a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel that is gentle on the fingers. It is a top choice for enthusiasts looking for a quality switch at a reasonable price point. Although information on the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is limited in this comparison, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a switch to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light and smooth linear switch with an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a different typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, and your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. Choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and preferences for a satisfying typing experience.