Dareu Dream vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features worth exploring. The Dareu Dream switch is known for its light linear feel and affordable price, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for quality at a reasonable cost. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Dareu Dream is lauded for its ease of pressing and clacky feel, the Tourmaline Blue is praised for its buttery sensation and standard spring weight, appealing to a wide range of users. 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
59g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of these switches. However, the Dream separates itself by using nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
Despite the differences in material choices for their bottom housing, both the Dream and the Tourmaline Blue offer distinctive sound profiles due to their respective housing materials. The Dream's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound than the harder polycarbonate used in the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing. This results in a typing experience that may be perceived as softer and more muted compared to the Tourmaline Blue. However, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its polycarbonate top housing, creating a cohesive sound profile that is sharper and more resonant.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. With this understanding, users can appreciate how the choice of housing materials in switches like the Dareu Dream and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue can influence the overall typing experience, from the crispness of the sound profile to the feel of each key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a heavier 59 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue is again heavier at 67 grams compared to the Dream, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dream would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue would be more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide differing levels of resistance, catering to individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the same, at 4 mm each. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth key press experience with a standard travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance compared to other switches with longer travel distances. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and travel distance.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is known for its clacky and sharp sound profile, giving off a crisp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile that caters to a wide range of users. While the Dream provides a more distinct and sharp sound, the Tourmaline Blue offers a more balanced and versatile sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a low-impact typing feel. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it also falls under the category of easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Dream leaning towards a lighter and easier-to-press feel, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a smoother and more fluid typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch excels in providing a clacky and easy-to-press typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a light and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound and a buttery, easy-to-press feel, catering to a wider range of users looking for a versatile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and choosing between them would depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. However, if you are looking for a similar overall experience in terms of sound and feel, either switch would provide satisfactory results based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a very light linear switch with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium-heavy switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience, whether it be effortless and gentle with the Dream or smooth and buttery with the Tourmaline Blue. Both switches have their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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