Dareu Dream vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their light linear feel and affordability, making them an appealing choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who prioritize a satisfying yet accessible typing experience. Described as easy-to-press and characterized by a clacky sound, the Dream switches offer a mild feedback that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switches stand out with their all-POM construction, delivering a deep, satisfying "thock" sound with each keystroke. These switches provide a buttery-smooth experience that many typists and gamers appreciate for its unique auditory and tactile feedback. While both options cater to linear switch lovers, the Dareu Dream is perfect for those seeking a lightweight and affordable solution, whereas the WS POM+ is designed for users looking for premium sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, a clear distinction can be observed in their top housings, which utilize polycarbonate and POM (Polyoxymethylene) respectively. The Dareu Dream's polycarbonate top housing is celebrated for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity of keystrokes. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a more resonant sound; its translucency also makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, making the visual aspect of the keyboard more vibrant. In contrast, the WS POM+'s top housing of POM is noted for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. The unique acoustic properties of POM lend it a distinctive richness, although it lacks the brightness that polycarbonate provides. While both materials offer unique auditory experiences, the Dareu Dream caters to those who prefer a clearer and more pronounced sound, while the Wuque Studio focuses on a richer, more pronounced depth.
Looking at the bottom housing materials, both keyboards utilize nylon and POM respectively, which encourages a different set of sound characteristics. The Dareu Dream’s nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This contrasts sharply with the WS POM+'s POM bottom housing, which, while also yielding a deeper sound, is noted for its unique sound profile that could be characterized as somewhat muted. Both bottom housings affect the feel and acoustic feedback during typing. While the nylon adds a warm depth to the sound, the similarities with POM suggest that users can expect a relatively muted sound regardless of choosing either keyboard, aligning them in terms of depth but varying in texture.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the materials in both keyboards reveal how different combinations of housing can influence sound and tactile response. The Dareu Dream presents a mix of polycarbonate and nylon that provides users with a sharp attack yet a warmer bottom-out feel, creating an interesting dynamic between the two. In contrast, the WS POM+ aims for a cohesive sound experience derived entirely from POM sourcing its sonic qualities directly from uniform materials. Both switches emphasize how housing combinations affect sound profiles and tactile feedback; thus, while the Dareu Dream offers a unique blend of distinct auditory experiences, the WS POM+ opts for a harmonious depth in sound that many users find pleasing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, potentially benefiting those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS POM+ requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. While the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unavailable, the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams, further emphasizing its heavier feel upon key completion. Therefore, the Dareu Dream switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for those seeking a less strenuous typing feel, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ appeals to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Dareu Dream provides a more traditional depth, catering to users who appreciate a full key press sensation, making it ideal for typists or those who prefer a hearty feel. In contrast, the WS POM+, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, appeals to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often associated with enhanced performance in fast-paced scenarios. If responsiveness is a priority, the WS POM+ is the preferable choice; however, for those who favor a more substantial keypress experience, the Dareu Dream offers a longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between these switches reflects individual preferences for depth or speed in their typing or gaming experiences.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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
The sound profile of the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that brings a crisp and bright auditory sensation with each keystroke. This quality can be attributed to its construction and design, making it a suitable choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ linear switch does not provide specific information regarding its sound profile, leaving an unknown variable in the comparison. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound experience can significantly vary based on the choice of keyboard board and keycap materials, making real-world testing essential for personalization.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch excels with its easy-to-press action due to its light actuation force, which results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable. Users can enjoy extended typing sessions without experiencing significant finger fatigue. Additionally, the Dream switch is mild, providing a balanced typing experience that appeals to a wide range of typists. Conversely, the characteristics of the WS POM+ in terms of feel were not provided, which keeps its tactile experience a bit of a mystery in this comparison. Nonetheless, both switches are designed to create a pleasant typing experience but the user may need to explore further to uncover the distinct tactile feedback of the WS POM+.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream switch offers clear sound and excellent feel characteristics that cater to those who appreciate auditory feedback and minimal resistance, the WS POM+ switch remains a bit enigmatic in terms of its auditory and tactile responses. Users who prioritize a clacky sound and an easy typing feel may lean towards the Dream switch, while those curious about the WS POM+ might find an interesting typing experience waiting to be discovered. Ultimately, both options provide unique offerings, and the final choice could depend on personal preference and the desire for either sound resilience or an intriguing typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you're looking for an ultra-light switch that prioritizes comfort and ease of typing, especially for long sessions, the Dream is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force and clacky sound make it enjoyable for casual typing and gaming, providing a gentle and responsive touch that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that offers a more tactile and satisfying experience with a medium-light actuation force, the WS POM+ would be well-suited for you. Its deep "thock" sound signature enhances the auditory feedback while providing a smooth typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a richer sound while typing or gaming. In essence, opt for the Dream if you seek lightweight comfort and affordability, whereas the WS POM+ caters to those who value a more pronounced acoustic profile and superior build quality.
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