Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Yellow both offer a linear typing experience. The Dareu Dream switches are highly regarded for their light actuation and smooth linear feel, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts who value both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are known for their silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Dareu Dream switches are praised for being easy-to-press, clacky, and mild, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches don't have specific attributes highlighted. 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
2.20 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
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 Yellow, both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the Dream features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes significantly to the overall sound experience during typing.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the switch, it is essential to note that the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon will be split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience with a combination of sharp, higher-pitched sounds from polycarbonate and deeper, fuller sounds from nylon.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the 65 grams of the Silent Yellow. While the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, the Silent Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Dream will require a lighter touch to activate a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation force and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be said that both switches provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience with the same amount of travel. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. In essence, the travel distance of both switches is the same, offering users a familiar and reliable typing experience.
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 Yellow 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, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. This suggests that the Dream switch may offer a louder typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow switch, which is designed to reduce noise.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Outemu Silent Yellow switch's feel is unknown, but based on the Dream switch's qualities, it can be inferred that the Silent Yellow switch may also offer a light and comfortable typing feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a light and clacky typing experience at an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience and are willing to invest in a switch that reduces noise, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may be more suitable for your preference. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider your typing needs before making a decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a very light linear switch with a gentle actuation force and an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch might be more suitable for a typist who prefers a bit more resistance. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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