Dareu Dream vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both offer exceptional linear options with their own unique features. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear feel and affordable price, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red provides a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, along with vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience. While the Dream switch is known for being 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky', the G Pro Red switch is described as 'creamy', 'neutral', and 'silky'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red both feature polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Although they share this common material in the top housing, the Dream's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Red also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
However, despite the similarities in the top housing material, the bottom housing of the Dream and G Pro 3.0 Red differ in material. The Dream utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, giving it a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red also features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a similar deeper and fuller sound experience as the Dream's bottom housing. This shows that while the top housing may affect the sound upon key release, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offer a mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials that impact the sound and feel of the switches. While they share the benefits of a sharp, higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of each switch provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The differences in bottom housing material may offer slight variations in sound profiles, but overall, both switches should provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is evident that the Dream requires less force to actuate at 40 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red at 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter in terms of bottoming out force, providing a smoother typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Dream being lighter in actuation force and the G Pro 3.0 Red being lighter in bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a specific travel distance in their switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 is often described as "clacky," emitting a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for having a "neutral" sound profile, with a moderate level of noise that suits a variety of users and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other elements such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is praised for its "easy-to-press" nature, requiring minimal force for key actuation, resulting in a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience. Additionally, it offers a "mild" typing feel that provides a pleasant middle-ground sensation. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is often described as "creamy," offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels effortless and silky. It also boasts qualities of being "mild," "polished," and "silky," enhancing the overall typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch both have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Dream switch provides a light and clacky sound, along with an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Red switch delivers a neutral sound profile and a creamy, polished, and silky typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing sensation, you can achieve different but satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize affordability and a light actuation force with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Dream switches would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly switch with a medium-light actuation force, creamy feel, and neutral sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches may be more your style. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and budget. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing needs to enhance your overall typing performance.
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