Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Dareu Dream and Outemu Silent White linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to specific preferences, making them appealing choices for different users. The Dareu Dream switch stands out with its exceptionally light action, providing an easy-to-press feel that many enthusiasts find enjoyable, especially due to its attractive price point—making it an excellent option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. The Dream's clacky and mild sound profile also adds a distinctive auditory feedback that some users may appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch, while lacking specific standout features in the realm of sound and feel, may still cater to users who prioritize a more muted experience in their typing or gaming environments, allowing for uninterrupted focus. Both switches offer their own advantages, depending on the user's preferences, whether they're after tactile feedback, noise levels, or budget considerations. 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
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent White, we find that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to their sonic properties significantly. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which grants a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As both switches share this material for their top housings, users can expect similar auditory experiences when pressing the keys. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing in a gaming or aesthetic setup. This shared material makes it likely that users will enjoy comparable sound clarity and brightness in both switch types.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent White utilize nylon, a classic choice known for its sound-dampening qualities. Unlike the polycarbonate used in the top housings, the nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This means that while both switches may produce an identical creak or snap when activated, the bottom-out sound will feel flatter and more rounded when users are typing or gaming. Thus, the performance of each switch is a combination of the sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top and the warmth brought by the nylon bottom, allowing for a holistic sound experience that balances clarity and depth.
In summary, both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent White are constructed using the same materials for their respective housings. This results in a combination where both switches yield similar results in terms of the top housing’s sharp, resonant sound and the bottom housing’s warmer, more rounded character. Since the unique qualities of each material impact distinct aspects of keypress sound and feel, users can expect a cohesive typing experience, blending distinct acoustic properties derived from the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. Thus, whether using the Dream or Silent White, users can enjoy a refined typing experience characterized by both clarity and a full-bodied sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Dream switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who appreciate less resistance during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent White requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer it. While the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream is unknown, the Silent White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it offers a more pronounced tactile feedback when pressed all the way down. This makes the Silent White heavier overall, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Thus, for lighter tactile feel enthusiasts, the Dareu Dream is the better option, whereas those who favor a stronger push preference may favor the Outemu Silent White.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Dream switch offers a deeper feedback experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger sense of depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent White switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, which can be advantageous in fast-paced gaming scenarios. As shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular among gamers, the Silent White might feel more responsive for those who prioritize speed. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference; if you enjoy the hearty depth of a longer travel distance, the Dareu Dream is the better option, whereas those who seek a quicker actuation will likely favor the Outemu Silent White.
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 White 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 offers a distinctively clacky quality, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. This feature provides a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and lively. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, which leaves its auditory characteristics unknown. However, it can be assumed that the Silent White switch may offer a quieter operation compared to the Dream, making it potentially more suitable for environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is noted for its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force greatly enhances comfort, reducing the risk of finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as mild, providing a balanced typing experience that is approachable for most users. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch, leaving this quality unknown.
In summary, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and exceptionally comfortable, light feel, making it a great option for those who prioritize both auditory feedback and ease of use. While the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have specified characteristics, it may cater to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, with the Dareu Dream promising a more vibrant experience while the Silent White may offer a more subdued alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a lighter touch and want a switch that facilitates effortless typing, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option. Its clacky sound adds a satisfying sharpness to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Additionally, the low actuation force and easy-to-press design minimize finger fatigue, thus enhancing comfort during extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a quieter experience without compromising on responsiveness, the Outemu Silent White might be more suited to your needs. While it lacks the distinct sound profile of the Dareu Dream, it provides a balanced typing feel that can accommodate varied typing styles and environments, especially in shared workspaces where noise levels matter. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, more expressive switch or a balanced, quieter option for more focused work.
Mentioned in this article
