The Dream Machines DreamKey is a wired-only, mechanical gaming keyboard available in full and TKL-size options. It's the first keyboard from Polish manufacturer Dream Machines, and it feels very well-built with an aluminum chassis and PBT keycaps that have the key legends printed on the front side of the keycap rather than on top. We tested the full-size variant with tactile Kailh Box Brown switches, which feel light to type on and offer good tactile feedback, but you can also get the keyboard with clicky Kailh Box White or linear Kailh Box Red switches. Unfortunately, while the latency is okay, it's still higher than most other dedicated gaming options. Also, it doesn't include a wrist rest, which would greatly improve the ergonomics.
Our Verdict
The Dream Machines DreamKey is a superb keyboard for gaming. It feels very well-built and has excellent RGB backlighting, fully customizable using the companion software. All its keys are macro-programmable, and the Kailh Box Brown switches on our unit provided great tactile feedback. You can also get this board with linear Kailh Box Red switches or clicky Kailh Box White switches if you prefer. Unfortunately, its ergonomics are only okay as it lacks a wrist rest. Also, its click latency is adequate, but it's still higher than other gaming options.
- Feels very well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- No wrist rest included.
The Dream Machines DreamKey is a wired-only keyboard, so it's not suitable for use with a tablet or mobile device.
The Dream Machines DreamKey is a good keyboard for office use. The Kailh Box Brown switches feel good to type on and provide nice tactile feedback when you press the key. They're also very quiet and unlikely to disturb others around you. It feels very well-built, and it's fully compatible with Windows, but the software and some of the default button settings don't work with macOS. Also, its ergonomics are only okay, as it doesn't include a wrist rest, which would greatly improve the comfort during long periods of use.
- Feels very well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Excellent typing quality.
- No wrist rest included.
- No software available for macOS.
The Dream Machines DreamKey is a very good keyboard for programming. All of its keys are macro-programmable, and it feels well-built. Its backlighting is excellent; however, the key legends aren't translucent, so the light doesn't shine through. While it's fully compatible with Windows, it lacks software for macOS or Linux systems. While it does feel comfortable to type on, it lacks a wrist rest, meaning it may get uncomfortable during long working sessions.
- Feels very well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys.
- No wrist rest included.
- No software available for macOS.
The Dream Machines DreamKey is a poor keyboard to use with a home entertainment system, but it wasn't designed for this use anyway. It doesn't connect wirelessly, so you'll have to plug it in directly to a computer to use, and it lacks a trackpad, so you'll have to use a separate mouse anyway. However, its RGB backlighting is bright to help you see the keys in the dark, but it doesn't shine through to illuminate the key legends.
- Feels very well-built.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys.
- No wrist rest included.
- Wired-only connection.
- No trackpad/track ball for on-screen navigation.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Dream Machines DreamKey comes in your choice of clicky Kailh Box White, linear Kailh Box Red, or tactile Kailh Box Brown switches. It also comes in a TenKeyLess variant. We tested the full-size keyboard with tactile Kailh Box Brown switches. You can see the label of our unit here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Dream Machines DreamKey is a mechanical gaming keyboard available in full and TKL-size options. While its latency is okay, it's not as low as other gaming options, so it's not well-suited for fast-paced or competitive games. A unique feature of this keyboard is that the key legends are printed on the front side of the keycap rather than on top; however, this aesthetic quality doesn't impact the typing experience. Unfortunately, it doesn't include a wrist rest, which would greatly improve the ergonomics as it's a bit high-profile.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best mechanical keyboards, the best RGB keyboards, and the best gaming keyboards under $100.
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Test Results
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