Dareu Dream vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and KTT Orange switches are both linear options that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Dareu Dream is known for its lightness, affordability, and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches stand out with their bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile, thanks to features such as a long spring, polycarbonate milky top housing, and excellent factory-lubing. While the Dream appeals to those who prioritize a clacky and mild typing experience, the Orange is ideal for individuals seeking a smoother and more tactile typing feel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the KTT Orange, we can see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The nature of polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate lends itself well to the usage of RGB lighting in the keyboards. However, the Dareu Dream diverges in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Dareu Dream and KTT Orange showcase differences in their bottom housing materials. The Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile seen in the top housing. This contrast highlights how the choice of different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard. While both keyboards offer clear and resonant sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housing, the Dream's use of nylon for the bottom housing adds a unique depth to the typing experience not found in the Orange.
The split between the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and KTT Orange allows for a nuanced typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether nylon in the Dream or polycarbonate in the Orange, impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the qualities of the top housing material, also polycarbonate for both keyboards, have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials showcases how different characteristics can be emphasized in different parts of a mechanical keyboard, ultimately contributing to a versatile and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Orange is 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. This means that the Orange switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the Dream. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream switch, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the KTT Orange switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing options for users with unique preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Orange, which may result in a slightly deeper key press feel. Gamers looking for a faster response time and a more abrupt key press may prefer the Orange with its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more traditional and hearty key press may lean towards the Dream with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, the Dream may appeal to those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound, while the Orange may attract individuals seeking a more soothing and subdued typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Dream switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe middle ground. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is noted for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and lively keys that rebound when pressed. The frictionless nature of the Orange switch ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience, eliminating any sense of resistance or friction when typing.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dream switch excels in providing a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Orange switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and bouncy, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and key feel. However, both switches offer quality craftsmanship and performance, ensuring that users can expect reliable and satisfying results regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dream may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and excellent factory-lubing, the Orange switch could be the better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what aspects matter most to you when making your decision.
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