Dareu Dream vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the benefits of various designs and specifications to find the perfect balance between performance and comfort. The Dareu Dream switches stand out for their light linear action, boasting an easy-to-press feel that appeals to those searching for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. Known for their clacky, mild sound profile, the Dream switches provide a unique tactile experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches introduce a bouncier experience, thanks to their double-stage 22mm spring, which offers a heavier actuation force that delivers a satisfying resistance and a classic sound signature. This makes the WS Red particularly appealing for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, catering to those who enjoy the tactile feedback of each keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it becomes evident that these two keyboards employ distinctly different materials for their top housings, which subsequently influence the overall acoustic experience. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature, leading to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also allows for effective RGB lighting display, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard, particularly for gamers and users who enjoy colorful illumination. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red opts for a nylon top housing, celebrated for its softer texture. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and more rounded sound profile. The choice of nylon is a traditional one, which lends a classic feel to the overall typing experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a uniformity in sound characteristics in that regard. The nylon in both models contributes to a duller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a reduced impact noise when bottoming out. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, the presence of nylon at the bottom ensures that both switches deliver a similar quality in terms of sound absorption, as this material dampens the vibrations. Consequently, when typing on either switch, users can expect depth and fullness in the sound, stemming from the nylon component, which plays a crucial role in how the switches resonate during use.
In light of the contrasting top housing materials, the combined properties of the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Red yield unique sound profiles that can cater to different user preferences. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Dream offers clarity and brightness during key release, the nylon top of the WS Red provides a warmer, rounder tone. Ultimately, both keyboards leverage their nylon bottom housings to achieve a fullness in sound, suggesting that while the top housings diverge in design and auditory output, the underlying materials bridge a connection that allows for similar results in the typing experience. Therefore, when pressed, both keyboards can deliver satisfying acoustic feedback, though the initial characteristics felt and heard will be noticeably different when it comes to the release phase of the keypress.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Dareu Dream switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, which is relatively light, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and prolonged typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Dream switch is unavailable, leaving us without a measure for how much force is required when the switch is fully depressed. In contrast, the WS Red switch has its bottom out force quantified at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. However, the actuation force for the WS Red switch is also unspecified. Therefore, while the Dareu Dream offers a lighter typing experience, we lack complete information on both switches to draw any direct comparisons about actuation forces. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch to ease prolonged use, the Dareu Dream may be preferable, while the WS Red's heavier bottom out force suggests a sturdier experience for those who prefer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we find that the Dareu Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the WS Red offers a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference, while subtle, indicates that users of the Dream switch may experience a more pronounced keystroke, which some might prefer for a more satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, players seeking faster response times may gravitate toward the WS Red, as its shorter travel distance could facilitate quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a deeper key travel or a more immediate response.
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 Red comes in at $3.50 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 switch produces a distinctly clacky profile, characterized by sharp, snappy sounds that resonate with a crisp and bright quality when pressed. This makes it a lively option that can enhance the auditory experience of typing. The sound is percussive, adding an engaging layer to rhythmic keystrokes. In contrast, the characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Red switches are not detailed, leaving their acoustic profile unknown. However, it is important to remember that sound can also be influenced by various other factors, such as the type of keyboard and keycap materials used, potentially allowing the WS Red to deliver a sound signature that complements its design.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Dareu Dream stands out for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to actuate, which yields a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The gentle resistance it provides minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild character of the Dream switch strikes a balance that is approachable for most users. Conversely, the tactile and force characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Red remain unspecified, leaving its feel an open question. The heavier actuation force implied by its design may offer a more substantial typing experience, but without any additional details, it’s unclear how it would compare directly to the light feel of the Dream.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and Wuque Studio WS Red switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. The Dream excels with its light and clacky feel, providing a responsive typing experience that caters well to those who prioritize comfort and auditory feedback. Without further information on the WS Red’s sound and feel, it's difficult to make precise comparisons, but the heavier actuation and potential bounciness of the Red suggests it may appeal to those looking for a bit more substance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on whether you prioritize sound dynamics and a lighter feel or a more substantial actuation force with an unknown acoustic quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Dream and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch that is easy to press, offering a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use, then the Dream is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound adds an engaging acoustic element, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more responsive and playful typing experience without feeling weighed down. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier bottom-out force that delivers a satisfying, substantial typing feel, the WS Red switches may be more appealing. With their bouncy and responsive characteristics, along with a familiar sound profile, these switches are well-suited for those who enjoy a more tactile experience and greater feedback from each keystroke. In essence, choose the Dareu Dream for lightweight comfort and affordability, and opt for the Wuque Studio WS Red if you desire a meditative typing sensation that combines responsiveness with a medium-heavy feel. Each switch brings unique qualities to your keyboard, so consider what aspects matter most to you when making your decision.