Dareu Dream vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Huano Sakura both stand out as appealing linear options, yet they cater to different preferences and needs. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their lightweight feel and affordability, making them an exceptional choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who desire quality without breaking the bank. They offer an easy-to-press experience and a mildly clacky sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch that prioritizes comfort, making them ideal for extended typing sessions, along with medium acoustics that strike a balance between quiet and responsive. While both switches offer linear smoothness and ease of use, their unique characteristics can cater to different typing styles and environments. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct acoustic characteristics. The Dareu Dream is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its superior stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both clear and resonant. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for effective RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), a material known for its low friction coefficient and exceptional durability, claiming to be 14 times stronger in wear resistance compared to POM. While both materials offer unique properties, the Dream's polycarbonate top is oriented towards achieving a crisper audio profile and aesthetic versatility, while Sakura’s POK prioritizes smoothness and durability.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, constructed from nylon. This classic material is famed for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound waves to create a more rounded auditory experience. The use of nylon in both the Dareu Dream and Huano Sakura ensures a consistent bottoming-out feel and sound, contributing to a smoother typing experience overall. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the tonal qualities and acoustic effects are aligned in this aspect, providing a coherent auditory experience when typing.
When considering the overall sound profile of each switch, the contrasting top housing materials create a blend of acoustic characteristics. The clear, resonant highs of the polycarbonate in the Dream will be complemented by the full-bodied lows of the nylon bottom, resulting in a multifaceted sound signature. Conversely, the Huano Sakura’s smooth POK top housing will pair with the similarly muffled yet deep sound from its nylon bottom housing, crafting a more uniform auditory experience. Ultimately, while the differences in top housing materials result in varied sound productions—sharp and bright from the polycarbonate and smooth yet sturdy from the POK—both switches leverage their nylon lower halves to unify their acoustic qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience across the board.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force that can influence the typing experience. The Dream switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 35 grams required for the Sakura switch. This suggests that the Dareu Dream may provide a more substantial feel during typing, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, which can contribute to a more tactile experience when pressing the key all the way down. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Sakura due to its lower actuation force, while those who value a firmer keystroke might lean towards the Dareu Dream. Overall, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, especially considering the available data, while the Dareu Dream's lack of bottom out force information leaves its overall weight and feedback less defined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to gamers looking for quicker response times and enhanced speed during gameplay. The shorter travel distance of the Sakura allows for faster actuation, while the Dream's longer travel distance offers more depth, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if one favors responsiveness, the Sakura would be more suitable; however, if a hearty depth is preferred, the Dream would be the better option.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 is characterized by a clacky tone that produces a sharp and snappy auditory response upon activation. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound can appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch is noted for its medium acoustics, which suggests a sound profile that is likely more subdued than the Dream. While the specific sound signature of the Sakura isn't detailed, it can be inferred that users might experience a quieter sound profile during their typing sessions. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap selection used.
Regarding the feel, the Dareu Dream switches excel with their easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to activate, making for an effortlessly comfortable typing experience. This light actuation force not only enhances responsiveness but also helps reduce finger fatigue during extended use. The mild characteristics offer a balanced typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users. On the other hand, there isn't specific information available about how the Huano Sakura linear switch feels, which leaves a gap in understanding how it may compare in terms of resistance and feedback during key presses.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to those seeking lighter typing experiences, though they differ in their auditory qualities. The Dream provides a more clacky sound that some might find satisfying, while the Sakura appears to favor a quieter, medium range. The Dream’s easy-to-press feel enhances comfort during prolonged use, while the sensation from the Sakura remains unspecified. Ultimately, both switches can offer comfortable, low-effort typing, but the choice may ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and the tactile aspect of your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider what typing experience best suits your needs. If you prefer a light touch and ease of use, the Dream's extremely low actuation force and clacky sound profile may be the perfect fit for you. These switches are particularly ideal for those who type for extended periods, as they minimize finger fatigue and provide a snappy response that can enhance your overall productivity. On the other hand, if you are looking for a slightly more balanced feel combined with a medium bottom out force, the Sakura switches could be a better choice. While they may not be as light as the Dreams, their feather-light touch still offers comfort, especially for longer typing sessions. Consider your typing style and sound preference; choose the Dream for a lively acoustic experience and effortless keystrokes or opt for the Sakura if you want a more gentle yet reliable linear feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a clacky, easy-to-press switch or if you prefer a more moderate touch that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
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