Dareu Dream vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream switches are praised for their light linear feel and affordable price point, making them an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. The smooth and polished feel of the Jwick switch adds to its appeal. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Dream and Semi-Silent Linear differ in their bottom housings. The Dream utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the Dream and the Semi-Silent Linear share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their differing bottom housings showcase individual characteristics. The Dream's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing also provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite this difference in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique sound profile that complements their respective overall design and functionality.
The impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch is significant. The division of qualities between the top and bottom housings means that the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, their use of different bottom housing materials allows for a range of sound profiles, from sharper and crisper in the top housing to deeper and fuller in the bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Jwick switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dareu Dream switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, as it provides a heavier push feel when bottoming out. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Dream offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shorter distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer a reasonable travel distance that is comfortable for typing and gaming purposes, but the Dream is slightly longer than the Semi-Silent Linear option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch produces a clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive, offering a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, with a whisper-quiet topping-out and a clacky bottom-out sound, offering a unique blend of quietness and tactility. Depending on your preference, the Dream switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a livelier typing sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a gentle and mild typing experience, with the Dareu Dream switch being described as easy-to-press and providing minimal resistance during key presses, ideal for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, along with a snappy and buttery feel, giving users a responsive and smooth keystroke sensation. Whether you prefer a light and effortless typing feel or a more responsive and uniform keystroke, both switches cater to various typing preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Dream switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a semi-silent sound with a mix of subdued and snappy feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you get the desired sound and feel that align with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following aspects. If you prioritize a light linear option with a more affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value a semi-silent switch that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable. The Dareu Dream switch provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more budget-friendly option with a light feel, or a premium switch with a unique semi-silent feature and a medium bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
