Dareu Dream vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Akko Penguin are two popular options to consider. The Dream stands out for its light linear feel and budget-friendly price, making it a great choice for those looking for a smooth typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Penguin from Akko offers a silent tactile switch that provides a satisfying feedback with each press, perfect for quiet office environments where noise reduction is essential. The Penguin also strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for long typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
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 Akko Penguin, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiff nature, while the Penguin's nylon top housing yields a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. Both switches offer distinctive auditory experiences based on the top housing material, catering to different preferences for typing sounds.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Dream and Penguin utilize nylon for this component. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in contributing to the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both the Dream and Penguin offer a consistent typing feel and sound profile in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Akko Penguin feature different top housing materials, they both incorporate nylon for the bottom housing. This design choice highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. Whether opting for the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate in the Dream or the deep and full sound of nylon in the Penguin, users can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience based on their housing material preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. The bottom out force of the Dream is not provided, while the Penguin has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The Dream offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, possibly ideal for those who prefer a feather-light touch when typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Penguin provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, suitable for users who desire a stronger push feel. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have different travel distances. The Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Penguin has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted sound, producing a quieter and softer typing experience ideal for office environments. With a more neutral sound profile, the Penguin switch aims to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards while providing a moderate actuation force suitable for various users.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience, with gentle resistance during key presses and minimal force required for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. The mild characteristics of these switches ensure a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch presents a polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the featheriness of these switches provides a light and comfortable typing feel suitable for extended sessions.
Considering all the available information, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among users seeking a budget-friendly linear switch option. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted sound profile and a polished feel, catering to those looking for a quieter typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dream or the Penguin, you can expect a quality typing experience tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your typing environment. If you are looking for a light and affordable linear switch with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight silent tactile switch with a muted sound and polished feel, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, your decision should be based on a balance between sound, feel, and your individual preferences.
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