Dareu Dream vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear stand out as popular choices, both offering a linear typing experience. The Dareu Dream switches are known for their lightness and affordability, making them a great option for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are praised for their smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with a focus on customization thanks to their transparent housing. While the Dream offers a clacky feel and easy-to-press keys, the Aurora Clear boasts a buttery and polished touch. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice of material allows for a more clear and resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. This shared material in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sound experience for users in terms of sharpness and clarity.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dareu Dream opts for a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with this material. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when keys are pressed. This distinction in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall sound experience of each switch, with the Dream offering a deeper tone and the WS Aurora Clear providing a brighter sound.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Dream and the WS Aurora Clear ensures a unique typing experience for users. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, the choice of nylon for the Dream and UHWMPE for the WS Aurora Clear in the bottom housing creates distinct sound profiles. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a brighter, resonant clack, these housing material choices cater to different sound preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear is heavier at 53 grams. The bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, while the WS Aurora Clear has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Dream switch, which allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the WS Aurora Clear switch, which requires a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but still offer a slight variation in feel. Gamers may find the shorter travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear to be more favorable for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dareu Dream. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a faster, more responsive feel or a deeper, more substantial press. In terms of travel distance, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Dareu Dream.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is often described as producing a "clacky" sound, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is known for its "high-pitched" sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound that may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter and more distinct typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can influence the overall typing experience, with the Dream switch providing a more pronounced clackiness and the WS Aurora Clear offering a clearer and higher-pitched sound.
As for the feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is renowned for being easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a gentle and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle ground between different switch characteristics. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is often praised for its "buttery" feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. This switch also offers a mild typing experience similar to the Dream switch, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation for users.
Taking into account the available information, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Dream switch is more budget-friendly and provides a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, the WS Aurora Clear switch delivers a high-pitched sound and a buttery, polished feel for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches with distinct characteristics, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light, clacky switch with easy-to-press keys and a budget-friendly option, the Dareu Dream may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a high-pitched, buttery feel and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the WS Aurora Clear could be the better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness or prefer a more premium feel and sound in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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