Dareu Dream vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat each offer unique attributes that may appeal to different users. The Dareu Dream is characterized by its light actuation force, making it an easy switch to press, which is ideal for those who prefer swift keystrokes during intense gaming sessions or lengthy typing tasks. Additionally, its clacky and mild sound profile, combined with an attractive price point, makes it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking both quality and affordability. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat is distinguished by its Ly stems, which provide a notably smooth typing experience, enhancing tactile feedback for users who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat further adds an auditory dimension that may satisfy users looking for a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat are both equipped with polycarbonate top housings, which ensures a shared auditory experience characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile for both models. Because of its translucency, this material enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. Users will find that the visual aspect is complemented by the acoustic quality; the clear housing allows more light to shine through, invigorating the overall gaming or typing experience. As both switches utilize the same top housing material, they will yield similarly impressive sound signatures when engaged, making them suitable for those who appreciate bright and resonant auditory feedback.
In contrast, the Dareu Dream and Bsun Tomcat both employ nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a different character to the switches’ sound profile. Nylon, known for its softer composition, works to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Users typing on either switch will notice this difference at the bottom-out stage; the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feel and the sound produced upon key actuation. While the top polycarbonate cavities amplify higher frequencies, the nylon foundation effectively dampens these sounds, producing a more muted resonance. Hence, even though both models share the same top and bottom materials, the combination brings a balanced sound experience that melds the crispness of polycarbonate with the fullness of nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials in both the Dareu Dream and Bsun Tomcat creates unique yet complementary sound profiles, despite their similarities. The influence of the polycarbonate top housing is prominent when releasing a key, delivering bright overtones, while the nylon bottom housing ensures that the impact during bottoming out is characterized by a rich, rounded tone. Since both switches utilize the same materials in their respective layers, they yield similar acoustic results, making them excellent choices for users looking for a blend of clarity and depth in their typing experience. This harmony between the materials means that switching between the two may feel seamless, as the user will benefit from consistent audio characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who prefer a firmer push feel. The bottom out force for the Dream switch is unknown, while the Tomcat has a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorized as medium-light. Thus, the Tomcat switch not only requires more force to actuate but also feels firmer upon bottoming out, appealing to those who favor a heavier switch. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use might prefer the Dareu Dream, while those who value a more robust typing sensation may opt for the Bsun Tomcat.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you choose the Dream switch, you'll experience a deeper press and a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat switch, with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the current trend towards quicker responses, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who value rapid key actuation over key depth. Those who favor shorter travel distances may find the Tomcat to be more responsive, while those who appreciate a fuller feel will likely prefer the Dareu Dream. Therefore, if you seek a longer travel experience, the Dream is the ideal choice, whereas if you prioritize responsiveness, the Tomcat is the way to go.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
The Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp, snappy noise that adds a vibrant auditory dimension to typing. This crisp and bright sound can be quite engaging, making each keystroke feel more impactful. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat undefined. However, it’s important to note that the sound perceived can be affected by various factors, including the keyboard board itself and the type of keycaps used, so users can experiment to find their preferred acoustic experience with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch excels with an exceptionally light actuation force, making it easy to press. This gentle resistance provides an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially beneficial during prolonged use. The Dream switch also has a mild characteristic, situating itself comfortably in a middle-ground zone that appeals to a wide range of users by balancing sound and tactile feedback. The Tomcat switch does not have described tactile characteristics at this time, making it difficult to compare directly. This could suggest that the Tomcat's feel might either complement or contrast with the Dream, depending on its unreported attributes.
In summary, the Dareu Dream linear switch is ideal for those who appreciate a light actuation force with a pleasant clacky sound, offering an overall engaging and fatigue-reducing typing experience. The Bsun Tomcat switch brings a promise of smoothness with its Ly stems but lacks specific auditory and tactile descriptions, leaving its overall feel and sound profile uncertain. Each switch presents its own unique qualities, and enthusiasts can find similarities or notable differences worth exploring based on their preferences and setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a light feel and a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream is an excellent option, particularly if you want a switch that facilitates effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. This makes it a fantastic choice for casual gamers and typists who prioritize comfort and an enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a medium-light bottom-out force with a super smooth typing experience, then the Bsun Tomcat may be more suitable for you. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a sturdy yet responsive feel, and while its sound profile is less defined in this comparison, its smooth operation can enhance your overall performance, particularly in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your own typing style and the specific characteristics that resonate with you before making a decision.
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