SuperSolid is known for the monitors, like the PQ27 Pro which was reviewed a few weeks back. Now it’s starting to sell some accessories for your desk and what’s new is their DREAMTYPE DT-001 mechanical keyboard. The DREAMTYPE DT-001 is TKL layout mechanical keyboard that retails for S$129.
Unboxing
The DREAMTYPE DT-001 comes in a light grey box, and in it you will get the following:
- DREAMTYPE DT-001 keyboard
- USB-A to USB-C braided cable
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller
- Kailh BOX switches x5 (of your choice)
- User manual
Tech specs
| Layout | 87-key Tenkeyless (TKL) |
| Weight | 930g |
| Dimensions | 36cm * 14cm * 3.8cm (L*W*H) |
| Frame | Steel |
| Switches | Kailh BOX (Red/White/Brown) |
| LED/Lighting | Per-key RGB |
| Keycaps | PBT Doubleshot shine-through |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Charging port | USB-C |
| Hot Swappable | Yes |
Build quality and design
The DREAMTYPE DT-001 rocks a black on black design by default – frame is black, keycaps are also black. It looks really clean and minimal, which is something I like. The case SuperSolid used is ABS plastic with a nice texture to it, while the plate used to mount the PCB is steel. The build quality of the DREAMTYPE DT-001 is solid. There is a subtle ‘SuperSolid’ branding that is splattered above the arrow keys. I like its subtle implementation, but I think it would have been nicer if it was on the frame instead of the keyboard deck.
Unlike the Keychron K8 where it has a somewhat floating keycap style, where you can see a little of the switches underneath, the DREAMTYPE DT-001 keycaps are housed neatly in the frame. The frame is 2.5cm thick at its highest point, but as the keycaps are recessed into the case, the height at which your fingers lay on the keycaps is not as high as it would compared to Keychron K8 for example. It is decently comfortable to type on without a wrist rest, but I do prefer typing with a wrist rest.
On the underside of the DREAMTYPE DT-001, there are rubber feet at each corner of the board which does a good job at keeping the keyboard firm on my desk. There are two flip-out feet which allow you to prop the keyboard at an angle for typing. There is only one angle which you can set it. On the front of the keyboard, you will find a USB-C port which serves as the main mode of connection for use.
Typing acoustics, switches and stabilisers
The DREAMTYPE DT-001 comes with Kailh BOX switches, from which you can choose between red, white or brown. The model I have comes with Kailh BOX Brown switches which offers a tactile typing experience. BOX switches have an additional rectangular stem, which allows for a greater fit with the keycaps and hence reduces key wobble. Kailh BOX Brown switches are also rated at IP56 water and dust resistance.
| Switch type | Actuation force | Actuation distance | Bottoming distance | Behaviour | Sound level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kailh BOX Red | 50g Actuation (60g Bottom) | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Linear | Quiet |
| Kailh BOX White | 50g Actuation (60g Bottom) | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Clicky | Clicky |
| Kailh BOX Brown | 50g Actuation (60g Bottom) | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Tactile | Gentle |
Comparing the Kailh BOX browns to Gateron browns, the Kailh BOX browns feel more tactile and offers more resistance than Gateron browns. With regards to sound, the Kailh BOX browns produce a deeper ‘thock’ sound compared to Gateron browns which are higher in pitch. It is also worth noting that the Gateron browns has a longer bottom out distance of 4.0mm vs 3.6mm on the Kailh BOX browns.
My typing experience on the DREAMTYPE DT-001 at stock profile is pretty good. Stock stabilisers is slightly better than the Keychron K8, but I would recommending clipping the legs and modding it as the typical factory lube job is average at best. The PCB does not support screw-in stabilisers as well, so plate mounted stabilisers are the only option here.
As for typing experience at stock, you can hear some hollowness due to the plate mount configuration of the DREAMTYPE DT-001. The keycaps still wobble a tad bit, especially on the spacebar. You can check out the video of the sound test below (shot on iPhone 11, apologies for the shaky tripod):
As the DREAMTYPE DT-001 hot-swappable, it gives you an option to try other switches in the future. A caveat is that the PCB is only compatible with 3-pin mechanical switches.
Keycaps
Despite a S$129 price point, SuperSolid went with PBT doubleshot keycaps which was a great decision. PBT keycaps offer better durability and texture than ABS. The keycaps allow shine through for the per-key RGB backlighting. By default the Fn row is the F1 to F12 keys, the media hotkeys require the use of the Fn modifier. There is also an option to lock the Windows key which comes in handy when you’re gaming.
I also like how the font on the keycaps is not gamery. Instead, it looks clean. So if you’re not someone who is into those gamery looks, you’ll appreciate that this keyboard will fit in well with your working setup.
Connectivity
The DREAMTYPE DT-001 is only usable through wired mode. SuperSolid included a braided USB-C cable which goes into the front of the keyboard.
Can I use it for macOS?
The DREAMTYPE DT-001 was designed mainly for Windows users, as the all the media hotkeys and Win-lock and meant for it. If you want to use it for macOS, you can but you’ll have make some software adjustments and lose some of the media hotkey functionality.
First, you have to change the modifier key press in macOS settings to switch the Option and Command. Second, when it comes to media hotkeys, only the play/pause, back/forward, and volume keys work with the Fn modifier key pressed together. The other hotkeys such as Email and My Computer does not.
Backlight and macro recordings
DREAMTYPE DT-001 has a few pre-loaded RGB colour modes which you can cycle through. If RGB is not your thing, you can opt for a single colour backlight across all keys but it does not offer white backlighting. You can set up 3 different custom backlighting. Setting them up requires you to manually cycle through all 8 colours available on each key.
You can also set up 3 macro keys which allow recording of up to 32 keystrokes. The amount of customisation you can do with RGB and macros isn’t as granular as what you can do with Tecware Phantom L as they have a software for it.
Modding potential
Tearing apart the DREAMTYPE DT-001 is quite easy. You just need a Phillips screwdriver and you’re good to go. Refer to this post for a quick guide on how to remove the case to perform mods. Mods can easily be done to reduce the hollowness.
Sound test recorded with Boya MM-1, with the following mod and specs:
- Stock PBT keycaps
- Gateron Yellows switches lubed with Krytox 205g0
- Stock stabilisers clipped, lubed, and Epsi mod, with Band-aid mod on PCB
- Case foam added to case to reduce hollowness
Conclusion
SuperSolid DREAMTYPE DT-001 truly packs good value for a S$129 wired mechanical keyboard. It doesn’t cut away most of the wanted features of mechanical keyboard in today’s times such as being hot-swappable and using PBT keycaps. DREAMTYPE DT-001 is also really well-built, and is packed a clean design that doesn’t scream gamer – I like that. It doesn’t come with software for more intense customisation of RGB and macros, but that doesn’t really bother me.
DREAMTYPE DT-001 shows what SuperSolid can offer for an entry level wired mechanical keyboard. Hopefully in the near future, it is able to offer a wireless version with full macOS support.