Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a light actuation force for a smooth typing experience. The Dareu Dream is known for its affordability and quality, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored for its speediness and responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers and typists. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relative stiffness of the plastic material. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the bottom housings of these two switches differ, with the Dream using nylon and the Yellow Silver also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Yellow Silver share the same polycarbonate top housing material, they offer slightly different sound profiles due to their bottom housing materials. The Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar sound profile. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that the feel and sound when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound upon key release will be more impacted by the top housing.
Overall, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Yellow Silver showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches leads to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. Despite some slight differences in sound profiles due to the bottom housing materials, both switches offer quality sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we can see that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Yellow Silver at 55 grams is heavier than the Dream, which has an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Dareu Dream switch for a smoother typing experience, especially for prolonged use. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial and tactile typing feel may opt for the Outemu Yellow Silver switch with its higher bottom out force. Both switches provide similar results depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key for either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar key press experiences with both switches in terms of travel distance. Therefore, there is no difference in the travel distance between the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, making them equal in this aspect.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 known for its clacky sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. The Dream switch's clacky sound may appeal to those who enjoy a more distinctive and pronounced typing experience, while the Yellow Silver switch's neutral sound is suitable for a wider range of users, whether for gaming or typing purposes. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required for activation, resulting in effortless and comfortable typing. This light actuation force can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. As for the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, information regarding its feel is unknown. However, based on its light actuation force, it can be inferred that it may provide a similar easy-to-press sensation.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Dream switch excels in providing a distinct and clacky sound, along with an easy-to-press typing experience ideal for reducing fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and an unknown feel, making it a versatile option suitable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a very light linear switch that offers a gentle and easy-to-press typing experience at an affordable price, the Dareu Dream switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force that provides a neutral sound profile suitable for gaming and typing purposes, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be more suited to your needs. Consider your preferences, budget, and intended use when deciding between these two switches to ensure you select the one that best fits your requirements. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to weigh the factors that are most important to you before making a decision.
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