Dareu Dream vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and KTT Purple Star are both popular options to consider. The Dareu Dream switch is a linear switch known for its lightness and affordability, offering a clacky feel and easy-to-press keys for enthusiasts on a budget. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch also falls into the linear category but stands out with its all-POM construction, providing a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star switch is perfect for those who prefer a gentle 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Dareu Dream and KTT Purple Star switches both play a significant role in influencing the sound profile of the switches. While the Dream features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how different materials can impact the overall typing experience. However, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound to users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dream utilizes a nylon material that is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star also uses a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the overall deeper and muted sound profile of the switch. Despite the difference in housing materials between the two switches, both the Dream and Purple Star aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience by utilizing materials that enhance the sound produced by the switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and KTT Purple Star switches showcase the importance of material choice in creating unique sound profiles. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound compared to the Purple Star's POM top housing, both switches aim to provide users with a pleasing typing experience. Additionally, the differing bottom housing materials, nylon for the Dream and POM for the Purple Star, contribute to the switches' overall sound profiles, highlighting how material choice can impact the overall feel and sound of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star's 43 grams, making the Dream a slightly lighter option. However, the bottom out force of the Purple Star is 50 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience compared to the Dream, whose bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Dareu Dream may be more suitable, while individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile feel may lean towards the KTT Purple Star. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Dream has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Star's 3.5 mm. The Dream's 4.0mm travel distance is on par with the traditional distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Purple Star's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower feel, which can be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for faster reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize responsiveness with a shorter travel distance or prefer a more substantial feel with a longer 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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Dream offering a crisper and brighter sound compared to the more subdued and deep sound of the Purple Star. However, it's important to remember that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Dareu Dream and KTT Purple Star switches are described as easy-to-press and mild in terms of typing experience. They offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This light actuation force helps reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, providing a low-impact and responsive typing feel. The mild characteristics of both switches ensure that the typing experience is approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of users, striking a balance between feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream and KTT Purple Star switches have their differences in sound and feel, they both offer a light and smooth linear typing experience that is ideal for users who prefer a gentle keystroke. Whether you choose the Dream for its clacky sound or the Purple Star for its low-pitched tone, you can expect similar results in terms of ease of typing and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and the overall typing feel you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience and budget. If you are looking for a very light linear switch at an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force and an all-POM construction, then the KTT Purple Star switch is the way to go. Both switches offer easy-to-press keys and a mild typing feel, but the Dream switch may give you a clackier sound compared to the Purple Star's low-pitched tone. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing feel, sound preference, and budget constraints.
Mentioned in this article
