Dareu Dream vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their light touch, making them incredibly easy to press, while their clacky and mild sound profile appeals to those who enjoy a more audible feedback without overwhelming noise. This combination of quality and affordability makes the Dream a go-to option for enthusiasts who are just starting their keyboard journey. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches prioritize smoothness with their Ly stems, offering a resonant sound profile that enriches typing experiences for users who favor a satisfying tactile sensation. While both switches cater to different preferences—lightweight ease versus a solid, smooth feel—each provides unique advantages that can enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy) share remarkably similar housing materials, which profoundly influences their acoustic characteristics and overall performance. Both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, a choice that enhances the sound profile by producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory feedback. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to this clarity and resonance in sound, making it an apt choice for enthusiasts who appreciate precision in their typing experience. Furthermore, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, providing an aesthetic advantage for users seeking a visually engaging setup.
In contrast to their shared polycarbonate top, both the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which tends to absorb sound and results in a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing. This material contrast between the top and bottom housings illustrates how each contributes differently to the switches’ performance. The nylon bottom housing dampens the sound, providing a rounder feel when bottoming out, whereas the rigid polycarbonate top enhances the sound profile experienced during release. This distinct relationship ensures that users can enjoy a unique auditory experience that balances clarity and depth.
As a result of these strategic material choices, users can expect comparable sound profiles, with the strategic interplay of polycarbonate and nylon creating a dynamic acoustic environment for both the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). When typing, the pronounced acoustic sharpness from the polycarbonate top will be complemented by the mellow resonance of the nylon bottom, resulting in a well-rounded auditory output. Thus, whether you choose the Dream or the Tomcat (Heavy), the combination of materials will likely yield similar performance results, while still providing nuanced differences that cater to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended use during long workdays or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Dream is unavailable, making a direct comparison somewhat challenging. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a determined bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some users value for its satisfying push feel. Consequently, while both switches serve distinct preferences—lighter for comfort and heavier for a robust experience—the Dareu Dream is better suited for users needing lower resistance, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a firmer touch and feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer different travel distances, which can significantly affect user experience. The Dareu Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback and hearty feel. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a snappier response, especially in gaming contexts where swift key presses are crucial. For users seeking enhanced responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, while the Dream switch will provide a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the Dareu Dream switch is the longer option, and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the shorter one, providing distinct preferences for different typing and gaming styles.
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 (Heavy) 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Dareu Dream clearly stands out with its clacky and resonant auditory feedback. The sharp, crisp sound adds an engaging element to the typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Tomcat (Heavy) are not specified, leaving it unclear how they might compare in terms of auditory performance. Therefore, if you are drawn to a specific sound signature, the Dareu Dream clearly excels in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream switches excel in providing an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. The light actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, which can greatly reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switches are designed to strike a balance, appealing to a broad range of users by offering enough feedback without being overwhelming. Unfortunately, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches lack specific descriptors regarding their feel, making a direct comparison challenging. That said, both switches aim to offer a smooth typing experience, albeit with the Dareu Dream providing clearer attributes for a comfortable typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a distinctive sound profile and a gentle typing experience, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts who seek both auditory pleasure and comfort during long typing sessions. The Tomcat (Heavy) provides a smooth typing experience as well but lacks detailed information about its sound and feel. If you're in the market for linear switches, the Dareu Dream would be a reliable choice, particularly for those who appreciate a clacky sound and easy actuation. Regardless of your choice, both switches cater to the desire for a quality typing experience, although the specifics of the Tomcat (Heavy) remain a mystery.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you lean towards a very light and easy-to-press switch that offers a smooth experience with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream is likely your best bet. Its gentle actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, making it an ideal option for long typing sessions, whether you're gaming or working on documents. Alternatively, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides greater resistance and a smooth feel, you might find the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) to be a better fit. Its quality Ly stems deliver a satisfying typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound that can enhance your overall enjoyment. In conclusion, consider your typing style and preferences carefully when choosing between these two switches, as each offers unique benefits that cater to different needs.
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