Dareu Dream vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and KTT Pine are two popular options to consider. The Dareu Dream is a light linear switch known for its attractive price point, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking for quality and affordability. In contrast, the KTT Pine Linear Switches are medium-heavy and boast a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to their polished, factory-lubed finish. While the Dream is characterized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Pine offers a bassy, creamy, and low-pitched typing experience. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the KTT Pine feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition.
The Dareu Dream utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the KTT Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the top housing material. This consistency in housing materials may contribute to a more cohesive sound profile across the entire switch, as both top and bottom housings play a role in determining the overall sound quality.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more prominent when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Dareu Dream and the KTT Pine aim to deliver a premium typing experience through their unique combination of housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dareu Dream is unknown, while the KTT Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Dareu Dream may provide a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Pine offers a heavier bottom out force, giving users a more substantial typing feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter keystroke should opt for the Dareu Dream, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the KTT Pine for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it can be noted that they offer a consistent keypress experience in terms of travel distance. Users can expect similar tactile feedback and typing feel from both switches due to their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the KTT Pine linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of bass tones. Depending on personal preference, the Dream switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced and percussive sound, while the Pine switch might appeal to individuals seeking a smoother and mellower typing acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in an effortless and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Those who prefer a light and low-impact typing feel may lean towards the Dream switch, while individuals looking for a silky and gliding sensation may be more inclined towards the Pine switch.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its light linear option with an attractive price point, ideal for those seeking a balance between quality and affordability. In comparison, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a medium-heavy feel with a polished, factory-lubed finish for smooth key travel, catering to users who prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and choosing between them will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get comparable results in terms of performance and key press satisfaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a very light actuation force and a clacky sound, then the Dareu Dream switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a buttery, creamy feel and a bassy, low-pitched sound, then the KTT Pine switch would be a better fit for your typing style. Consider your typing preferences and the characteristics that appeal to you the most when selecting between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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