Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Dustproof Green offer distinct choices for users with different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light touch, providing a clacky and mild typing experience at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch without a specific standout feature. Depending on whether you prioritize easy-to-press keys or a clicky typing sound, you may lean towards one switch over the other. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The Dareu Dream and the Outemu Dustproof Green both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Dream and Dustproof Green differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Dream using nylon and the Dustproof Green also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in their top housing materials, the Dareu Dream and Outemu Dustproof Green exhibit differences in sound profile due to their bottom housing materials. The Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound experience. The distribution of housing materials in a switch affects not only the sound when pressing down on a key but also the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dream and Dustproof Green switches gives users a unique typing experience that balances crispness and depth in sound.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream and Outemu Dustproof Green switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, their use of nylon in the bottom housing results in differences in the overall sound experience. Typing on the Dream with its nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper sound compared to the Dustproof Green, but both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it becomes evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes swiftly. In contrast, the Dustproof Green switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Dream switch is unknown, the Dustproof Green switch requires 80 grams to bottom out, indicating a firmer keypress. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing may opt for the Dareu Dream switch, whereas individuals seeking a more robust typing sensation may prefer the Outemu Dustproof Green switch. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. A switch's travel distance is crucial for determining the overall typing experience and tactile feedback it provides. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent feel when typing on either switch. The linear nature of the Dream switch means that the keystroke is smooth and consistent from top to bottom, while the clicky nature of the Dustproof Green switch provides audible and tactile feedback with every key press. While the travel distance is the same for both switches, the different typing experiences offered by the Dream and Dustproof Green switches cater to different preferences, with the Dream switch offering a smoother typing experience and the Dustproof Green switch providing a more tactile and clicky 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 Outemu Dustproof Green 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, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch does not have a specific sound description available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, it is described as having a mild typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in providing a light linear option that is both affordable and high-quality, offering a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, mild typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks specific information regarding its sound and feel. If you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel to the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is recommended to look for other linear switches that offer a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a light linear switch with a smooth feel and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire and the sound and feel that best align with your preferences.