Dareu Dream vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stand out for their distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Dareu Dream, classified as an easy-to-press linear switch, offers a clacky and mild sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize both affordability and a satisfying typing experience. Its lightweight actuation is ideal for users looking for swift keystrokes without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is a hall effect switch that delivers a well-rounded typing experience, characterized by a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound profile that resonates with the "thock" sound treasured by enthusiasts. The presence of a dustproof stem enhances its performance by minimizing wobble, appealing to those who seek a refined and tactile sensation in their typing experience. While both switches offer unique advantages, such as the Dareu Dream's affordability and the Sticky Rice's enhanced performance, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share notable similarities in their materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. Both switches leverage polycarbonate’s unique properties to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, allowing users to enjoy a crisper auditory feedback when bottoming out. Additionally, the translucency of this material makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting compatibility, ensuring that the aesthetics are equally pleasing as the auditory experience. Due to these shared characteristics, users can anticipate a similar level of sound clarity and brightness from both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials distinguish the Dareu Dream and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This distinctive quality becomes particularly evident when typing, as the bottom housing contributes significantly to the tactile feedback and sound when keys are engaged. Therefore, while the top housings ensure a bright and sharp sound, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a complementary depth that enriches the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials used in the Dareu Dream and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) creates a well-rounded auditory profile that is both crisp and full-bodied. With both switches featuring polycarbonate tops, users will appreciate similar brightness in sound, while the nylon bottoms introduce a warmth that rounds out the typing sensation. This synergy allows for a comprehensive typing experience where the clarity of the top housing and the warmth of the bottom housing combine to meet the diverse preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Users can therefore expect that the distinct characteristics of each material will yield complimentary results, enhancing their overall experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that users will experience a consistent effort required to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Dareu Dream is unknown. This suggests that the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a firmer feedback upon fully pressing the key, which may appeal to those who prefer a substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Dareu Dream can be considered the lighter switch due to its unspecified bottom out force, likely making it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) could be more satisfying for users who enjoy a stronger push. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a similar actuation experience, but the bottom out feel differentiates them for users with specific preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a notable difference is evident. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the more traditional switch distance which some users find preferable for a more reassuring actuation feel. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers who often seek quicker response times. This shorter distance can enhance the speed of keystrokes, although some may find it feels too abrupt compared to the Dream's deeper 4 mm travel, which could provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a hearty depth. Therefore, if you lean toward responsiveness, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Dareu Dream might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 produces a clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and snappy audio profile. This generates a bright, crisp tone with percussive qualities that can be quite satisfying to typists who enjoy an audible feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is noted for its neutral sound signature that leans towards the beloved "thock" sound many enthusiasts crave. While the Dream offers a more pronounced auditory experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more subdued yet rich tone, enhancing the overall typing atmosphere. Ultimately, sound is also influenced by the keyboard and keycap selection, so both switches can yield distinct acoustic results depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch excels with its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to actuate. This light actuation force contributes to an effortless typing experience and reduces finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use. Additionally, the mild nature of the switch means that all its qualities play well in that middle-ground zone, ensuring it feels comfortable to most users. The Sticky Rice (V2), while the specific feel descriptors are not provided, is generally known to offer a balanced typing sensation. The smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, suggests that it likely provides a refined and responsive feel, possibly comparable to or potentially more sophisticated than the Dream.
Combining the insights on sound and feel, the Dareu Dream switch caters more to those who prefer a brighter and snappier acoustics, paired with an ultra-light and fatigue-free typing experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) leans towards delivering a richer, more muted sound with a signature "thock," alongside a smooth, refined feel that may appeal to enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback—both switches cater well to different typing styles and preferences while promising a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you find yourself drawn to a very light and easy-to-press switch that promotes comfort during extended typing sessions, the Dareu Dream is likely the better option for you. Its clacky sound signature can add an engaging acoustic element to your typing experience, making it particularly appealing if you enjoy a sharper auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience that combines a satisfying “thock” sound with a smooth keystroke and slight resistance, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would be your go-to choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a refined feel while still being light enough for comfortable typing. The reduced wobble and well-designed dustproof stem ensure a solid performance, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more sophisticated typing sensation. In summary, consider your typing habits and sound preferences when choosing between these two switches, and you'll find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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