Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique experiences for users. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that is favored for its lightness and budget-friendly price point, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Each switch has its own strengths, with the Dareu Dream excelling in ease of press and affordability, while the Outemu Silent Grey stands out for its tactile feedback and silence. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile with a focus on clarity and resonance.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dareu Dream utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar qualities in terms of sound profile. Despite this similarity, the specific design and construction of the bottom housing may lead to subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Grey may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their differences in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Dareu Dream or appreciates the rounder sound of the Silent Grey, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Dream switch will require less force to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Dream switch is unknown, while the Silent Grey switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey switch for a more pronounced tactile feedback. In either case, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of a switch can help users make an informed decision based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When it comes to the feel of the switch, the Dream provides a smooth linear experience, while the Silent Grey offers a more tactile response. Despite their different switch types, the travel distance remains the same, ensuring that users will get a similar keypress experience in terms of depth. This means that whether you choose the Dream or the Silent Grey, you can expect a consistent travel distance when typing on either switch.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a satisfying and silent switch option. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, providing a low-impact typing experience with minimal force required for activation. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch's tactile bump and smooth keystroke offer a more pronounced typing experience, giving users a satisfying feel with each key press. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, catering to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch is characterized by its light linear feel and clacky sound, appealing to those looking for an affordable yet quality option. Meanwhile, the Silent Grey switch stands out for its quiet operation and tactile feedback, making it a great choice for users seeking a satisfying typing experience without the noise. Ultimately, the right switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a light linear switch with an easy-to-press feel and a budget-friendly price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the ideal choice. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and budget before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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