Dareu Dream vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Dream, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Dareu Dream switches are known for being very light and linear, offering an easy-to-press experience with a clacky feel that is mild in nature, all at an attractive price point. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches provide a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility that is buttery and stepped, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. While the Dream may appeal to enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability, the Taro may attract those looking for a comfortable typing experience with a noticeable tactile feedback. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the Jwick Taro feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards with lighting effects. The similar use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to the top housing.
On the other hand, the Dream and Taro differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dream utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. Similarly, the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Despite the difference in top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Dream and Jwick Taro switches may vary in terms of the top and bottom housing, but they both aim to provide users with a unique typing experience. While polycarbonate top housings offer a sharp and crisp sound profile with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility, nylon bottom housings deliver a deeper and fuller sound. Whether users prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper typing experience, both switches offer a blend of materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force of the Dareu Dream linear switch is 40 grams, while the actuation force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch is unknown. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Dream switch is unspecified, whereas the Taro switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Dream switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Taro switch, while the Taro switch is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream switch for longer typing sessions, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may choose the Taro switch for a stronger push experience. In essence, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference for each user.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Dream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro, which may provide a slightly deeper feeling when pressing the key. Gamers who prefer a more responsive key press may lean towards the Taro with its slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a traditional travel distance, with the Dream being on the longer side and the Taro being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 offers a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch delivers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate level of noise suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Dream being more percussive and the Taro being more versatile in its sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and gentle typing experience. This results in reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped tactile feel of the Taro switch gives it a unique tactile response with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in providing a light and clacky typing experience at an affordable price point, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with its moderate tactility and versatile sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying mechanical keyboard switch. Whether one prefers a linear or tactile feel, both the Dareu Dream and Jwick Taro switches provide reliable performance that will cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light linear switch with a gentle typing experience and an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switches would be an excellent choice for you. They provide a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, making them suitable for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a cozy typing experience and a medium sound profile, the Jwick Taro switches would be more suitable. These switches offer a snappy tactility and a buttery feel, with a neutral sound profile that is versatile for various typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired typing experience and sound output.
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