Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Dareu Dream switches are renowned for being affordable while still providing a high level of quality, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who value both performance and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switches offer a tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. While the Dream switches are known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Maple Leaf switches do not have a specific standout feature mentioned. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Outemu Maple Leaf both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness which enhances resonance. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting purposes, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a classic typing feel.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Maple Leaf utilize nylon, which is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both the Dream and the Maple Leaf provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the split qualities between the top and bottom housings mean that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
While the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Maple Leaf both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials, they share similarities in using nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. However, the differences in their top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Dream and nylon for the Maple Leaf - create distinct sound profiles, with the Dream offering a crisper and more resonant sound, while the Maple Leaf provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the Dream is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 55 grams. Despite both switches having an unknown bottom out force, it can be inferred that the Maple Leaf is medium-heavy based on its higher actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Dream may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf may be favored by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dream offers a more traditional keypress feel with its longer travel distance, while the Maple Leaf provides a slightly shallower keypress experience. Gamers and those looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf, while those who prefer a more robust keypress may opt for the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness. Overall, while the Dream offers a longer travel distance than the Maple Leaf, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for different preferences.
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 Maple Leaf 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, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch is also noted for its mild typing experience, sitting in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. As for the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, information on its specific feel characteristics is not provided.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its light linear option, affordability, easy-to-press feel, and clacky sound. On the other hand, specifics about the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound and feel are currently unknown. If you enjoy a light linear switch with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream may be the ideal choice for you. Remember to consider your preferences and requirements when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light and affordable linear switch with a smooth typing experience and minimal bottom out force, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams and a more pronounced tactile bump for increased feedback during typing, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and priorities, so take into account these factors when making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
