Dareu Dream vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream switches are favored for their light linear feel and affordability, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a quality option without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are known for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly snappy response and a smooth downstroke. While the Dareu Dream leans towards being easy-to-press and clacky, the Purple Sakura offers a buttery and tactile experience with a mild and neutral sound signature. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This material's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite this similarity, the differences in their bottom housing materials offer distinct typing experiences. The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Purple Sakura also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the Dareu Dream and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share the use of nylon for their bottom housing materials, the true differences lie in their top housings. The split qualities of these housing materials impact the sound and feel of typing on the switches. The Dream's nylon bottom housing emphasizes the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Conversely, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, with the focus on the top housing for the sound when letting go of a key. Overall, these differences in housing materials provide unique typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura showcase how housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing creates distinct typing experiences. The Dream's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a similar effect. Understanding the split qualities of these housing materials allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The actuation force of the Dareu Dream linear switch is lighter at 40 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. The Dream switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Purple Sakura switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The difference in actuation force means that the Dream switch may feel slightly easier to press for some users, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Purple Sakura switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference based on whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Dream offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's shorter travel distance may provide a faster response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quick key actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Dream being the longer option and the Purple Sakura offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking a quicker keystroke.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky typing experience, with sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound output of these switches.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch also provides a mild and approachable typing feel. Conversely, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switch delivers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, while also being mildly tactile and snappy, offering a lively typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch excels in providing a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience, ideal for those looking for a light linear option. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and buttery feel, striking a delicate balance between tactility and responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a lightweight and affordable linear switch with a smooth typing experience, the Dareu Dream switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the Dareu Dream switch is perfect for those who prioritize affordability and a lighter typing feel, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile experience with a balanced sound profile. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences.
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