Dareu Dream vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing various options to suit their typing preferences. The Dareu Dream is a compelling choice for those who prefer a light linear feel, offering an easy-to-press experience at an appealing price point. Its clacky sound and mild feedback make it an attractive option for users who enjoy a bit of auditory excitement while typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its ultra-smooth action, crafted from the latest mold technology by Huano. This switch offers a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—providing a more refined auditory experience. While both switches share the linear classification, their distinct characteristics cater to different user 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the Huano Strawberry Latte, one notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Dream boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonant qualities. This translucent material allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK material for its top housing. While POK is also a high-performing plastic, known for its smoothness and durability, it contributes a different auditory experience, producing a smooth and clacky sound. Thus, while both materials are designed to enhance switch performance, they deliver distinct auditory experiences reflective of their unique properties.
On the other hand, both the Dareu Dream and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is a classic choice and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, typists can expect a similar auditory experience from the bottom housing of both switches, as they both add a duller and rounder sound quality. This shared material in the base construction highlights the classic nature of nylon, offering a level of consistency in the tactile experience when bottoming out. Both switches, consequently, leverage the inherent characteristics of nylon to cultivate a more robust acoustic presence during use.
Overall, the differing top housing materials of the Dareu Dream and Huano Strawberry Latte create distinctive sound profiles; however, the similarity in the nylon bottom housing means that both switches will provide a complementary audio experience when pressed. The polycarbonate of the Dream ensures a crisper top-end attack, while the POK material of the Strawberry Latte lends smoothness to the overall sound. For users looking for a balanced auditory experience, both switches will satisfy with their unique strengths, thereby producing a delightful typing experience that capitalizes on the unique acoustics provided by the different materials in their respective designs.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Dream switch is currently unavailable. The Dream switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a bit heavier compared to the Strawberry Latte, which has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. Consequently, users may find the Strawberry Latte easier for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced resistance at the actuation point. In terms of bottom out forces, the Strawberry Latte has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a firmer feel when pressing down completely. Since the bottom out force of the Dream switch is unknown, it prevents a direct comparison, but it's important to note that if it were similar to the Strawberry Latte, users could expect a comparable typing experience. Overall, for those who prefer a lighter touch and comfortable long sessions, the Strawberry Latte is the preferable option, while the Dream may cater to those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm signifies that the Dream switch provides a more traditional and hearty feel during key presses, appealing to those who appreciate deeper engagement when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance caters to gamers who favor quicker response times and may find the shorter distance beneficial for rapid key presses. As such, if you're seeking a switch with a more substantial depth, the Dareu Dream would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte may serve you best.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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, sharp, and snappy sound profile. This characteristic ensures a crisp and bright auditory experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for users who enjoy the distinct sounds associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is balanced; it is not quiet but also doesn’t lean towards being overly resonant. While the Strawberry Latte's exact sound quality isn't detailed, the combination of these aspects means that, depending on the keyboard and keycaps paired with either switch, both can provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Dream offering a sharper note, while the Strawberry Latte remains more neutral.
Regarding feel, the Dareu Dream switch shines with its easy-to-press design, characterized by a lightweight actuation force that reduces finger fatigue, making lengthy typing sessions far more comfortable. Its mild resistance provides a gentle yet responsive typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch. Conversely, information about the tactile feel of the Strawberry Latte is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the sensations they offer. However, if the Strawberry Latte exhibits smooth key presses as indicated, users might still find it similarly appealing for long typing sessions, not experiencing the same level of fatigue as with heavier switches.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile and unquantified yet smooth keypress experience. Those seeking a keyboard switch that prioritizes responsiveness and a specific auditory feedback may lean towards the Dream, while those preferring a refined sound without dramatic resonance might opt for the Strawberry Latte. Both switches can accommodate a range of typing preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying experience tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering which switch to choose between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preferences regarding feel, sound, and intended use. If you prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-press switch that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the Dareu Dream is your best bet. Its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory dimension to your typing experience, making it a suitable option for both enthusiasts seeking affordability and those who enjoy a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that balances smooth operation with a mildly pleasant sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a solid choice. With a bottom-out force that still maintains comfort while providing a satisfying tactile experience, the Strawberry Latte is ideal for users wanting a more refined typing experience without excessive noise. By understanding these differences, you can select the switch that best aligns with your specific typing habits and personal preferences.
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