Dareu Dream vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Dareu Dream and the Kailh Plum. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light actuation and attractive price point, appealing to enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is a tactile switch that offers a unique experience with its heavy feel and subtle tactile bump, breaking away from the typical correlation between tactility and weightiness in other switches. While the Dream is easy-to-press and clacky, the Plum has a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Kailh Plum both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a vibrant light display. However, while both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material.
The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Plum also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches helps to impact the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience overall.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Kailh Plum share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, with the Dream offering a crisper sound quality due to its stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housings.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Plum switch has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream switch is unavailable. This means that the Dream switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Plum switch would be a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer different options for users based on their preferences, with the Dream being lighter and the Plum being heavier in terms of force required for typing. By choosing the appropriate switch based on actuation and bottom out force preferences, users can optimize their typing experience for either extended periods of use or a more tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dream. The Dream's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Plum's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive, shorter travel distance or a deeper, longer travel distance. Both switches will deliver reliable performance, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact the typing experience for users with specific preferences.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky noise when pressed, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various settings. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream linear switch is lauded for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long periods of use. Additionally, the mild quality of the Dream switch provides a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Kailh Plum tactile switch also offers a mild typing experience but features a stepped feel, giving it a two-stage sensation that differs from traditional tactile switches. This unique characteristic can provide a different tactile feedback that some users may find appealing.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch each offer their own set of subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences, typing style, and intended use, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive characteristics. Whether opting for the light and clacky sound of the Dream switch or the neutral and mildly stepped feel of the Plum switch, users are likely to achieve similar levels of satisfaction in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light linear switch with minimal resistance and a budget-friendly price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a unique feel that is not overly tactile but still offers a satisfying typing experience, the Kailh Plum switch could be the better choice. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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