Dareu Dream vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Dareu Dream and the TKC Tangerine. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its lightness and attractive price point, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking for quality at an affordable price. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine offers a smooth typing experience that is a pleasure with each keystroke, thanks to its unique UHWMPE housings. While the Dream is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', and 'Mild', the Tangerine is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and TKC Tangerine switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing, which offers a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is more translucent and suitable for RGB lighting, while UHWMPE is a newer material that brings a unique sound to typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dream's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. The difference in bottom housing materials adds to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Dream and TKC Tangerine switches enhances the overall typing experience. While the Dream features a mix of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings for a clear and resonant sound profile, the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE materials for both top and bottom housings to offer a bright and unique sound signature. Both switches provide users with options to customize their typing experience based on sound preferences and aesthetics, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lower actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Tangerine switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unavailable. This means that the Dream switch may provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. In contrast, the Tangerine switch may offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force for their keyboard.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity between the two switches ensures that you will get similar results in terms of key press feel and behavior. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the TKC Tangerine, you can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance that remains constant throughout usage.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch provides a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream switch is easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the switch place it in a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a fluid key travel. Described as buttery, the switch offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Dareu Dream switch is a budget-friendly option that offers a light and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch provides a premium feel with an incredibly smooth and high-pitched sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific needs and typing style. Ultimately, whether you go for the Dareu Dream or the TKC Tangerine, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with each switch offering its unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter touch with no bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and easy-to-press and mild feel, the Dareu Dream switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, the TKC Tangerine switch might be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, preferences, and budget.
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