Dareu Dream vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, you may find yourself drawn to two remarkable linear options: the Dareu Dream and the TTC Yunhai. The Dareu Dream switches are celebrated for their light actuation force, providing an easy-to-press experience that delivers a satisfying clack with each keystroke. With an attractive price point, these switches are a favorite among enthusiasts seeking quality without breaking the bank. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches also boast a remarkably light actuation, but they distinguish themselves with a deep, rounded sound profile that offers a unique and gentle typing experience. While both switches cater to users who appreciate a smooth and effortless feel, the Dream leans towards a slightly louder, more engaging typing experience, whereas the Yunhai focuses on a more subdued, yet richly textured sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the TTC Yunhai exhibit contrasting materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for greater resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB backlighting, enhancing the visual experience for users who value aesthetic elements in their keyboards. Conversely, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile. This difference demonstrates how the choice of material for the top housing plays a crucial role in shaping the overall auditory experience of the keyboards.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Dareu Dream and the TTC Yunhai use nylon, highlighting a similarity between the two models. The characteristics of nylon, being a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, means that both switches will provide a similar acoustic foundation. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a comparable tactile experience when actuating the keys across both models. Thus, while the top housings differ and introduce contrasting sound profiles, the uniformity in bottom housing material leads to a blend of these auditory cues in the final sound experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Dream and the TTC Yunhai illustrate how the combination of these materials can generate distinct yet complementary sound qualities. The crispness imparted by the polycarbonate in the Dream's top housing means users will experience a more pronounced sound upon key release, while the rounder tone produced by the nylon in both models' bottom housings contributes to a consistent typing experience. Ultimately, while the two models may cater to different acoustic preferences due to their top housings, the shared material in the bottom provides a linking factor, ensuring that both switches deliver satisfying feedback and sound during use.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, their actuation forces show a slight difference: the Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter switch, while the Yunhai requires a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams. This means that users might find the Dream to be more suitable for longer typing sessions, as its lower actuation force can reduce fatigue. However, the Yunhai switch may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. In terms of bottom out force, the Yunhai clearly defines its bottom out force at 50 grams, while the Dream's bottom out force is unknown. Therefore, while both switches may provide a unique typing experience, the Yunhai's heavier actuation force and defined bottom out force cater to users seeking a firmer feel, whereas the lighter Dareu Dream may be ideal for those prioritizing comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Dream provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth and tactile presence. On the other hand, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness in their key presses. Thus, if a user prioritizes faster response times, the TTC Yunhai would be the better option, while those who appreciate a deeper key press may favor the Dareu Dream. Overall, the Dream is the longer switch and the Yunhai is the shorter switch.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switch is characterized by a clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy noise upon actuation. This gives the keyboard a bright and percussive auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, especially in a lively typing environment. In contrast, while the TTC Yunhai switch does not have a defined sound profile available, it is known for offering a unique typing experience that might lend itself to a more muted or softer sound, potentially differing in ambiance from the sharper clack of the Dream. However, the overall sound experience can still be influenced by external factors like the choice of keyboard case and keycaps used with either switch, which means that users looking for a tailored sound signature should consider these elements.
When it comes to the feel, the Dareu Dream switch is designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, which enhances comfort during extended use and reduces finger fatigue. It provides a mild tactile feedback that creates a balanced typing experience, making it accessible for most users. While the TTC Yunhai's specific feel is not detailed, it is noted for its incredibly light actuation force, suggesting a similar emphasis on ease and effortless typing. Both switches cater to typists who prefer a gentle experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream and TTC Yunhai switches offer unique advantages for users seeking light linear options. The Dream excels with its clacky sound profile and mild, easy-to-press feel, while the Yunhai promises a deeper, rounded auditory experience with a similar light actuation force. Ultimately, both switches deliver comfortable typing experiences with minimal resistance, appealing to those who prioritize lightness and a gentle touch in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice, especially if you value affordability and comfort during long typing sessions. Its easy-to-press design reduces finger fatigue and offers a delightful typing experience, making it ideal for beginners or those who type frequently. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a switch that provides a unique sound profile while still maintaining a light actuation force, the TTC Yunhai may be more to your liking. While it offers a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 50 grams, it still provides an effortless typing experience and a deep, rounded sound that can elevate your overall keyboard experience. In essence, select the Dareu Dream for affordability and comfort, while the TTC Yunhai shines for its acoustic depth and distinct feel.
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