Dareu Dream vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features and benefits for different types of users. The Dareu Dream is well-known for its light linear option and affordable price point, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a quality switch that won't break the bank. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, thanks to its low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics. While the Dream is easy-to-press and clacky, the Strawberry offers a more luxurious typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the KTT Strawberry, we see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Both keyboards benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both the Dareu Dream and the KTT Strawberry share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, they diverge in the material used for the bottom housing. The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard. Interestingly, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch allows users to experience the unique qualities of each material both when pressing down and letting go of a key.
Overall, the Dareu Dream and the KTT Strawberry showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard. While both keyboards benefit from the sharp and clear sound profile created by polycarbonate top housing, they offer distinct experiences with their choice of bottom housing material. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound like that of the Dream's nylon bottom housing or a sharper and crisper sound like that of the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Dream switch requires less force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dream switch has no available information while the Strawberry switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dream switch for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer the same amount of feedback and tactile feel when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the KTT Strawberry, you can expect similar results in terms of switch travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a consistent typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance, offering a satisfying feel for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a more clacky experience, with a sharp and snappy sound upon key press. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch provides a low-pitched tone, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. Depending on the user's preference, the Dream switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, while the Strawberry switch might be favored by those who prefer a more subdued and deep sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature and mild typing experience, offering minimal resistance and effortless typing. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel. The Dream switch may appeal to users seeking a light and responsive typing experience, while the Strawberry switch would be ideal for those looking for a highly smooth and effortless typing feel.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream and KTT Strawberry switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dream switch provides a light and clacky typing experience at an affordable price point, appealing to enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice for users looking for a refined and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will find a suitable option based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a light actuation force and a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, smooth actuation, and a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry switch would be a great choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, it comes down to what feels and sounds best to you during typing. Choose based on your individual typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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