Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade present two distinct options to consider. The Dareu Dream, a linear switch, is best known for its light and easy-to-press feel, along with a satisfying clacky sound, making it a popular choice for those looking for both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a unique translucent jade yellow housing. While the Dream excels in providing a smooth linear typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a tactile feel coupled with a satisfying "thocky" sound. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that both switches make use of nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the difference in their top housings could potentially affect the overall sound profile and typing experience.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Dareu Dream stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. Its translucent nature also makes it ideal for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material. The difference in top housing material can significantly impact the sound produced when pressing down and releasing keys on these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches share nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when releasing keys. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing creates a more rounded and duller sound when typing. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the right switch for their preferred sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The Dream switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dareu Dream switch more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Dream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Dream is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, while the 3.3mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a shallower keypress. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Dream. Both switches have their advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Jade 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 and sharp sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Dream offering a more pronounced sound compared to the Silent Yellow Jade.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force for key presses. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch's typing feel is not specified in the provided information, but as a silent tactile switch, it likely offers a more subtle and tactile feedback compared to linear switches like the Dream.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch excels in providing a clacky and easy-to-press typing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a sharper sound profile and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique translucent jade yellow housing, catering to users who prefer a more subdued sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light linear switch with an affordable price point and smooth typing experience, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a quiet and satisfying typing sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value lightness and affordability or a tactile experience with a unique "thocky" sound. Make your decision based on your specific preferences and typing style to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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