Dareu Dream vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Dream and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts have a tough decision on their hands. The Dareu Dream offers a very light linear option at an attractive price point, making it an ideal choice for those looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches provide a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile, making them a favorite among typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the KTT Wine Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to showcase through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound experience. The differing bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Dream offering a softer and more absorbent feel compared to the Wine Red's stiffer and more resonant bottom housing.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the Dream's inclusion of nylon for the bottom housing sets it apart from the KTT Wine Red. The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a distinct typing experience that differs from the sharper sound produced by the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches highlights how each material brings its unique qualities to the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream and the KTT Wine Red both offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. The Dream's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a softer and more absorbent typing experience. In contrast, the Wine Red's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, offering a clearer and more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, while the Wine Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream switch, as the lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing. Both switches offer varying levels of force for different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their individual needs.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is identical, meaning users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key feel and actuation. The 4 mm travel distance offers a medium amount of key travel, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Overall, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a similar travel distance, making them suitable options for those who prefer a moderate key press 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Dream switch may be more appealing for those who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, while the Wine Red switch appeals to individuals seeking a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the mild nature of the Dream switch offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, information regarding the tactile feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch is not available, but based on the similarities in sound characteristics, it is possible that the Wine Red switch may also provide a light and effortless typing experience.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Dream switch stands out for its light actuation force and gentle typing experience, while the Wine Red switch provides a deeper and richer sound profile for a more immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Dareu Dream switches if you are looking for a very light linear option with an attractive price point, ideal for those seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, opt for the KTT Wine Red switches if you enjoy a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile. If you prefer a clacky sound profile, the Dream switches may be more appealing, whereas the Wine Red switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for switch feel, sound, and budget.