Dareu Dream vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and Durock Piano both offer unique features and qualities to consider. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear option and attractive price point, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its proprietary material blend that results in a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Dream may appeal to those who prefer an easy-to-press and clacky switch, the Piano may attract users who enjoy a bassy, frictionless, and silky typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Dream's translucent polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Piano's POM blend top housing remains a mystery but delivers a unique auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer users a variety of options to customize their typing experience.
The bottom housings of the Dareu Dream and the Durock Piano also have their own characteristics that influence the overall sound profile of the switches. The Dream's nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing remains shrouded in mystery yet provides a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The differences in bottom housing materials show that manufacturers are diligent in selecting materials that complement each other to create a well-rounded sound experience for users.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound quality of each switch. The Dream's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between sharpness and depth, while the Piano's use of a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housings offers a consistent and unique sound experience. Both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking for high-performance switches with varying sound profiles. Ultimately, the decision between the Dareu Dream and the Durock Piano comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they each offer a different typing experience in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. On the other hand, the Durock Piano does not specify its actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Piano switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel compared to the Dream switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and the desired level of force required for typing tasks.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Dareu Dream and Durock Piano switches offer a similar experience, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 known for its clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy noise during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile, giving off a deep and rich tone while typing. Depending on personal preference, the Dream switch may appeal to those who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, while the Piano switch may be favored by individuals looking for a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
As for feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle typing experience. It is also labeled as mild, providing a comfortable and low-impact feel for most users. Conversely, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a frictionless and silky typing experience, characterized by extremely smooth key presses with minimal resistance. Users who prioritize smoothness and fluidity in their typing may find the Piano switch more to their liking.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in providing a light and affordable linear option with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, making it suitable for enthusiasts seeking quality at a budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize a smooth and luxurious typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing preferences, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to a wide range of users, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a very light switch with no defined bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassy sound profile, and a frictionless, silky typing experience, the Durock Piano switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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