Dareu Dream vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Everglide Rice Pudding present two distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its light linear feel, designed for enthusiasts who crave an easy-to-press switch that delivers a clacky yet mild auditory feedback—all at an attractive price point. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches boast a unique hall effect technology that ensures smooth operation complemented by a deep sound profile, providing a balanced typing experience that merges satisfaction with precision. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding switches are compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, adding a layer of versatility for users looking to enhance their performance. While both switches offer their own strengths and cater to different preferences, choosing between them ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the Dareu Dream and Everglide Rice Pudding switch housings reveals that both share a commonality in the materials utilized for their top and bottom housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and higher-pitched sound profile, promoting clarity and resonance. This shared characteristic suggests that both switches will deliver a sharper and crisper audio experience, particularly when RGB lighting is part of the setup, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances visual effects. Therefore, users can expect similar audio outcomes from the top housing, yielding an elevated sound performance in both models.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, known for its softer composition compared to polycarbonate. This material choice produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a more rounded and muted auditory response during keystrokes. With nylon's acoustic properties absorbed during typing, users will experience a distinct contrast in sound presence from the bottom housing when compared to the top. Consequently, while both switches deliver a consistent and clear sound from the top, the bottom of each switch will influence the overall sound experience by providing a warm fullness that complements the sharper tones emitted from the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the configuration of the Dareu Dream and Everglide Rice Pudding switch housings highlights a harmonious relationship between the two materials. The polycarbonate top ensures that regardless of the model, users will enjoy a pronounced auditory experience, especially with RGB setups, emphasizing transparency and vibrancy. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom guarantees that both switches will undershoot with fuller, more subdued sounds, creating a well-balanced auditory experience across different typing contexts. As a result, enthusiasts choosing between the two will be assured of a satisfying tactile and acoustic performance regardless of their selection, grounded in the synergy of the materials used in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dareu Dream features an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Rice Pudding's actuation force of 38 grams, making the Dream switch feel more substantial under the fingers. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream is unknown, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a bottom out force of 48 grams, confirming its design as a heavier option overall. The heavier bottom out force of the Rice Pudding provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users might prefer for a more defined typing experience. Users seeking a lighter keystroke for lengthy typing sessions would likely find the Rice Pudding to be the better option, given its lower actuation force and known bottom out force. In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences for typing feel, the Dareu Dream is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, and the Rice Pudding offers less resistance for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Dareu Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Dareu Dream provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which can appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel, although it could also be perceived as too abrupt for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and responsiveness, with the Dream being the longer option and the Rice Pudding offering a more rapid actuation.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switch has a distinct clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This characteristic makes it quite engaging during typing, providing an audible feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch has no specific sound description provided, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat of a mystery. However, the sound experience of any switch will inevitably be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and chosen keycaps, which means both switches might deliver different auditory results based on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch stands out with an easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate due to its light actuation. This makes for a typing experience that is comfortable and reduces the risk of finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, its mild nature ensures that the overall typing experience is approachable and balanced, appealing to a wide range of users. The Rice Pudding switch’s feel remains unspecified, leaving potential buyers without concrete insights into how it might compare. That said, the alignment of the Dream's light and mild characteristics suggests it's aimed at providing a user-friendly experience for all typists.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream switch offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience with its clacky sound and effortless feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch lacks detailed subjective qualities, particularly in sound and feel. The Dream provides clarity for enthusiasts seeking a specific auditory experience and comfort, while the Rice Pudding’s strengths remain unclear. Both switches promise unique advantages, contributing to diverse typing experiences, but the Dream’s accessibility and known qualities may make it a more attractive option for newcomers eager to explore mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you value a light touch and seek an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option. Its clacky sound adds a fun auditory dimension that many users enjoy, making it ideal for casual typing and gaming where speed is a priority, and affordability matters. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a satisfying blend of smooth operation and a more balanced tactile experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch might be the better choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force ensures a level of precision and responsiveness that is especially appealing for serious gamers or those engaged in professional typing tasks. Additionally, the versatility of the Rice Pudding with Wooting keyboards offers added value for enthusiasts who want to explore innovative input methods. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a lightweight, clacky experience or a more refined, versatile typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
