Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Red

Overview

When it comes to comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch with the Outemu Red linear switch, there are several key differences to consider. The Dareu Dream switches are highly regarded for their light and linear feel, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts who value both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switches are known for their smooth and consistent feel, with a slightly heavier actuation force. While the Dream switches offer a clacky and mild typing experience, the Red switches provide a smoother and more responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Dream Linear

Outemu Red Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Red feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, the Dream and the Red differ in their bottom housings, with the Dream utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Red also uses a nylon bottom housing but absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.

Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings for similar sound profiles, the difference in their bottom housings will impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing on the Dream will affect the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Red focuses more on sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This emphasizes the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when choosing a switch for a specific typing preference.

Overall, the housing materials of both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Red play a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the polycarbonate top housings create similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles, the difference in nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound for the Dream and a duller and rounder sound for the Red. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel is essential in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.

Weight

In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Dream switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Red switch at 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dream switch is unavailable, while the Red switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a heavier feel. The lighter actuation force of the Dream switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and required force for optimal performance.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing on either switch, you can expect to feel the key travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that you will get similar results in terms of key feel and overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Outemu Red, you can trust that the travel distance will be consistent at 4 mm, providing a satisfying key press every time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its light and easy-to-press actuation, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate each key. This switch is also described as mild, offering a middle-ground typing feel that is approachable to most users. In terms of sound, the Dream switch produces a clacky noise when pressed, giving off a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific description for sound or feel available. However, based on the qualities of the Dareu Dream switch, it can be assumed that the Red switch may offer a similar light and easy-to-press feel with a moderate sound level. Ultimately, both switches are linear options that provide a smooth typing experience, with the Dareu Dream switch standing out for its affordability and the Outemu Red switch likely offering a comparable typing feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, price, and typing experience. If you prefer a very light switch with no bottom out force and a budget-friendly option, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are willing to invest in a slightly more premium option, the Outemu Red switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and overall performance.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Dream Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more