Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences for users. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch, known for its light actuation and smooth key presses. It is a popular choice among enthusiasts due to its quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with each key press. While the Dareu Dream is easy-to-press and clacky, the Outemu Gold provides a more pronounced typing experience. Each switch has its own benefits and drawbacks, catering to different preferences. 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
1.80 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
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 housing materials of the Dareu Dream and Outemu Gold switches both feature polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Dareu Dream stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
In terms of sound profile, the Dream's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth. The stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound when the key is released, while the softer nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Gold switch features a consistent sound profile with both the top and bottom housing made of polycarbonate. This results in a sharper, crisper sound overall, without the added depth provided by the nylon bottom housing of the Dream.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Dream and Outemu Gold housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. If a sharper and consistent sound profile is desired, the Gold switch with polycarbonate top and bottom housing may be the preferred option. However, for those looking for a unique blend of sharpness and depth in their sound profile, the Dream switch with polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a distinctive typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, showcasing the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Gold's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold is heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Dream's bottom out force is unknown. The Dream offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions that require quick and nimble keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gold provides a stronger push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This makes them both suitable options for users who prefer a standard amount of travel distance in their switches. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for consistent typing experiences regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Gold 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 is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring little force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort, reduces finger fatigue, and provides a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Additionally, the mild nature of the Dream switch places it in a comfortable middle-ground zone suitable for most users. As for the Outemu Gold clicky switch, information about its tactile feel is unavailable.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its lightweight linear design, affordability, clacky sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch remain unknown, the Dream switch can serve as a reliable option for those seeking a satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience at an affordable price, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a sharp, clicky sound, the Outemu Gold switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and budget.
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