Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Outemu Red Panda offer distinct experiences for users. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that provides a balance of tactility and sound, with a satisfying bottom-out and top-out sound profile. While the Dream is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly linear option, the Red Panda appeals to those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Red Panda feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing aesthetic. Despite both switches sharing this material for their top housing, the differences may lie in the design and construction of the housings themselves.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Red Panda utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. While the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing are similar between the two switches, variations in design and construction may still lead to subtle differences in sound and typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile, feel, and aesthetics of the switch. Both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Red Panda incorporate polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, each offering unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. While both switches may share similarities in sound characteristics due to their housing materials, differences in design and construction can still lead to nuanced variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing of these switches results in a balanced blend of sharpness, clarity, depth, and resonance in the typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force for the Dream switch is unknown, while the Red Panda switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Individuals who prefer lighter switches may find the Dream switch more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback may prefer the Red Panda switch for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance for a switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Red Panda a popular choice for gaming keyboards. However, those who enjoy a deeper press may prefer the Dream switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel. While the Dream has a slightly longer travel distance than the Red Panda, both switches offer a satisfying 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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 offers a clacky and sharp tone, providing a crisp and percussive sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch presents a thocky and rich sound, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when activated. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keyboard sound, with the Dream offering a brighter and snappier tone compared to the Red Panda's deeper and more satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provide a mild typing experience, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and a comfortable typing feel. The light actuation force of the Dream switch makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended use, while the Red Panda's tactile feedback adds a slight bump in the keypress without being overwhelming. Overall, both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing experience, making them suitable options for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct sound profiles and mild typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dream switch provides a sharper and more clacky sound, the Red Panda switch offers a deeper and richer thocky sound. Both switches deliver a comfortable and easy-to-press typing feel, making them suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, your choice may ultimately depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch at an affordable price, the Dareu Dream may be the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium actuation force and a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Red Panda could be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing habits and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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