Dareu Dream vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Dareu Dream is praised for its light linear feel and attractive price point, making it a top choice for those looking for quality and affordability in a switch. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile. While the Dream is categorized as 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the Duck is described as 'buttery' and 'polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiffer plastic composition. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Duck features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, leading to a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
Despite the differences in the bottom housing materials between the Dareu Dream and SP-Star Duck, the impact they have on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant. The Dream's nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile consistent with its top housing, ensuring a cohesive typing experience from top to bottom. This shows how the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream and SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound of a switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Duck has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Dream's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Dream requires less force to trigger a keystroke but lacks information on how much force is needed to bottom out, while the Duck requires more force for a keystroke but has a known force required to bottom out. Ultimately, if the bottom out forces are similar, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of resistance despite the differences in actuation force. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dream for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Duck for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is equal, as both switches have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent tactile feedback and key press feel across both switches. Despite being different types of switches (linear and tactile), the Dareu Dream and SP-Star Duck provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 offers a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Dream switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more audible typing experience, while the Duck switch appeals to those who prefer a quieter and more subtle sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Dream switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Duck switch is characterized as buttery and polished, offering a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a responsive and comfortable feel, catering to different preferences in typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and sharp sound with easy-to-press linear switches or a neutral and buttery tactile experience, both switches cater to different preferences in typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light linear switch with a budget-friendly price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium actuation force and a clean sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch is the better option. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and the level of tactile feedback and sound you prefer. Make your decision based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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