Gateron Aliaz vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Dream mechanical keyboard switches, we see a clear distinction in their key characteristics. The Aliaz switch is renowned for its tactile feedback, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel with each keystroke. Ideal for quiet environments like the office, the Aliaz switch is perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switch stands out for its light linear design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option. With a smooth and easy-to-press feel, the Dream switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Aliaz. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Dream both feature polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is transparent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Dareu Dream stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials may result in a different overall typing experience between the two switches.
In terms of sound and feel, the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Dream showcase the impact of their respective housing materials. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound profile and a more resonant feel when typing or bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and deeper sound experience, creating a more muted and rounder feel. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights how the choice of material can significantly affect the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
While both the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Dream utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Dream's choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets it apart. This material contrast provides users with a unique typing experience, where the top housing material influences the sound when keys are released, and the bottom housing impacts the feel and sound when keys are pressed. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Aliaz or a deeper and fuller sound with the Dream, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Dream linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Aliaz is also heavier at 75 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Aliaz may be the better choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing, the Dream's lighter actuation force may be more suitable. Both switches focus on different aspects of typing experience, with the Aliaz offering a heavier feel and the Dareu Dream providing a lighter touch for typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the keys go down. Therefore, whether you choose the Aliaz or the Dream, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. It's worth noting that having the same travel distance can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for users who switch between keyboards with these different switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted characteristics, producing a softer and quieter sound that is perfect for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Aliaz providing a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the Dream's more pronounced and crisp sound.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz tactile switch is praised for its silky and polished characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness of the keystrokes and minimize resistance, providing a luxurious typing feel. In contrast, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. This difference in feel highlights the varying tactile feedback and actuation force between the two switches, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and needs. The Aliaz provides a muted and silky typing experience suitable for quiet environments and those who prefer a more substantial feel, while the Dream offers a clacky sound with easy-to-press keys ideal for enthusiasts seeking a lighter linear switch at an affordable price point. Both switches deliver excellent performance in their respective categories, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience depending on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Dareu Dream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a silent typing experience and enjoy a medium-heavy weight with a substantial feel to your keystrokes, the Aliaz switch would be a great choice, especially if you work in a quiet office setting. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable option that offers a light linear feel with easy-to-press keys, the Dareu Dream switch might be more up your alley. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so make sure to consider what matters most to you before making your decision.
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