Dareu Dream vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Dream is a linear switch known for its lightness and affordability, making it a popular choice among those seeking a quality switch without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist, offering a delicate tactility that is perfect for work and extended typing sessions. While both switches are categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Mild', the Dream is described as 'Clacky' while the White Lotus is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. The Dream may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced sound and feedback, while the White Lotus is ideal for those looking for a refined typing experience with customizable RGB lighting effects. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the Durock White Lotus switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a resonant sound that is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing that offers a unique and premium feel, distinguishing it from the Dream. While both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housing, they both use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
In terms of sound profile, the Dareu Dream's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Durock White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel. Additionally, both switches use nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
While both switches utilize different materials for their top housing, the Dareu Dream and Durock White Lotus offer similar sound profiles with their use of polycarbonate and modified PC & UPE Blend materials. However, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a more vibrant sound profile compared to the premium feel of the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. Additionally, both switches feature nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the White Lotus is heavier at 56 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Dream may be preferred by those who like a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the White Lotus may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, users can expect to experience a similar feel when pressing down on a key with either switch. This means that whether you choose the Dream or the White Lotus, you can expect a consistent travel distance and tactile response when typing. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with the same travel distance, allowing users to enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, along with a neutral sound profile that suits most users' preferences. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, but if you prefer a more bass-heavy tone, the White Lotus switch might be the better choice for you.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are described as easy-to-press and offer gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches fall into the category of mild switches, delivering a gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. The White Lotus also incorporates a subtle feel, providing a gentle resistance without being overly pronounced, making it a great option for shared spaces.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and Durock White Lotus tactile switch have their differences in sound and RGB lighting features, they share similar qualities in terms of feel. Both switches offer an easy-to-press typing experience with mild characteristics, making them suitable for a variety of users and typing preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky linear switch or a low-pitched tactile switch, both options provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prioritize a very light linear switch with an attractive price point, making it suitable for enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability, then the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions, along with the added bonus of vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the Durock White Lotus switch is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and budget.
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