Dareu Dream vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Dream and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Dareu Dream is known for its light linear option and attractive price point, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. While the Dareu Dream is easy-to-press and clacky, the TTC Silent Red is described as buttery, mild, muted, and polished. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are aesthetically pleasing when used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant colors to shine through. However, while the top housings of both switches are the same material, their bottom housings differ.
In contrast, the Dareu Dream and TTC Silent Red have different bottom housings made of nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the properties of nylon.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Dareu Dream and TTC Silent Red switches results in a balanced typing experience. The split between the qualities of each housing material offers a diverse sound and feel when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with the Dareu Dream or a deeper, fuller sound with the TTC Silent Red, both switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making the Dream slightly easier to press for keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, while the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams which is medium-heavy. This means that while the Dream may be lighter to actuate, the Silent Red requires more force to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Dream may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Silent Red with its heavier bottom out force may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Dream switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dream switch being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Dream switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Silent Red switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Dream switch, making it a better choice for shared spaces or office settings.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. The switch also provides a mild typing experience, offering a comfortable middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. The switch offers a gentle typing experience that is both comfortable and refined, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound and an easy-to-press experience, the Dream switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize a muted sound profile and a buttery, polished feel, the Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits, and choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the key factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light linear switch with a budget-friendly price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. It offers easy-to-press keys with a clacky sound profile, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience suitable for office or shared spaces, the TTC Silent Red switch is the better choice. With its muted sound profile and buttery feel, you'll enjoy a seamless and low-noise typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and budget.
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