Dareu Dream vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and TTC Speed Silver both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that is popular for its light touch and affordability, making it a great option for enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly choice. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is also a linear switch but is known for its fast and precise typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize speed and accuracy. While the Dream is praised for its easy-to-press feel and clacky sound, the Speed Silver offers a polished and refined typing experience with its reduced travel distance. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the most notable difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Speed Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Dareu Dream and TTC Speed Silver showcase differences in their bottom housing materials. While both switches feature nylon for the bottom housing, the Dream's nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Speed Silver's nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast highlights how the material composition of a switch's housing can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced.
In terms of construction, the split between top and bottom housings allows for a balanced distribution of qualities from each material. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This design aspect showcases how the combination of different housing materials in a switch can influence the overall typing experience, making both the Dareu Dream and TTC Speed Silver unique in their sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Speed Silver is 55 grams making it heavier than the Dream, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The Dream switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch would suit individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to various preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, which is considered a more traditional option, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dream with its longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Dream and TTC Speed Silver switches are described as offering a mild typing experience, being easy on the fingertips and suitable for most users. The Dream switch is easy-to-press and gentle, requiring minimal force for activation, leading to a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver switch is also mild and offers a polished typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provide a gentle typing experience with mild characteristics. While the Dream switch may produce a clacky sound, the Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel. However, regardless of the choice, users can expect a similar level of comfort and ease during their typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a very light linear switch with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream linear switch is the way to go. It offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience that enhances your typing comfort while reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the ideal choice. These switches have a polished finish for smooth key travel and are perfect for those seeking a refined typing feel. Ultimately, your decision between the Dareu Dream and TTC Speed Silver switches will depend on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness or precision and smoothness in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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