Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that is lauded for its lightness and affordability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a quality switch at a reasonable price. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While the Dareu Dream is known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Outemu Milk Tea lacks a specific standout feature in its description. Overall, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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 Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a more resonant sound when typing. The translucent quality of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks during typing sessions. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the Milk Tea may offer a slightly different sound due to its unique material composition.
Moving on to the nylon bottom housings, both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize this classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The qualities of the bottom housing material are particularly noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may still produce subtle variations in sound and typing experience.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Milk Tea contributes to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific characteristics of these materials result in distinct sound signatures. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing may offer a sharper and crisper sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing delivers bright and resonant clacks. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Dream switch would be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it can be said that both switches offer a consistent and satisfying amount of key travel for users. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Outemu Milk Tea, you will get a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. The similar travel distances of these switches make them both suitable options for users looking for a comfortable typing experience with adequate key travel.
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 Milk Tea 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, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required to activate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable. It is also described as having a mild typing feel, appealing to a wide range of users due to its balanced characteristics. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not provided.
Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a light and clacky sound, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique feel and sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch could also be a good option, despite the lack of specific information. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a light linear switch at an affordable price point with a clacky sound (Dream) or a tactile switch with a moderate feel and an unspecified sound (Milk Tea). If you value a light actuation force and a smooth typing experience, the Dareu Dream switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response and appreciate a middle-ground typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea switches may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and budget constraints.
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