Dareu Dream vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options. Two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Dareu Dream and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. The Dareu Dream stands out with its exceptionally light actuation and an attractive price point, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize both quality and affordability. Known for its clacky yet mild sound profile, the Dream provides an engaging typing experience that is easy on the fingers. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow also champions budget-friendly excellence but delivers a more polished and resonant auditory experience, coupled with a bouncy typing feel that many gamers and typists appreciate. While both switches serve the linear switch market well, their distinct sound profiles and tactile responses cater to different user preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, it's evident that both feature polycarbonate for the top housing. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This material's stiffness contributes to a crisp auditory experience when typing. Additionally, both switches capitalize on polycarbonate's translucency to enhance RGB lighting effects, making them visually striking when illuminated. This similarity suggests that users seeking a pronounced sound and attractive lighting effects can expect comparable performance from both switch types regarding their top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge, with both employing nylon. This creates a notable contrast in auditory characteristics. While the top housing of both switches aims for clarity and crispness, the nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities help to soften the sounds produced when making contact with the keyboard, resulting in a rounder auditory sensation upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches share similarities in their top housing, the differing impacts of nylon in the bottom housing add a layer of complexity to their sound profiles, providing a unique blend of auditory characteristics.
In essence, the interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in both the Dareu Dream and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches offers users a dual sound experience. While both switches will produce a crisp sound when a key is released, the nylon quality will significantly influence the sound produced during the downward motion of the keypress, leading to a combination of sharpness and warmth. Therefore, even though the switches use similar materials at the top, the contrasting bottom housing will ensure that any user will note differences in the overall tactile and auditory feedback feedback, creating a distinctive typing experience tailored by the combination of these two different materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Dream switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams to actuate, making the Dream the preferred choice for those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Dream switch is not available, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which indicates a more substantial tactile experience upon fully pressing the key. This difference further reinforces the G Pro 3.0 Yellow as a heavier option overall, providing a firmer push feel compared to the Dareu Dream. Ultimately, users seeking a lightweight experience might gravitate towards the Dream, while those desiring a more robust typing experience would likely prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is identical, measuring 4 mm each. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar key feel and overall performance when utilizing either switch, making them equally suitable for various typing and gaming scenarios.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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, both the Dareu Dream and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switches provide a bright auditory experience, though they each have distinct characteristics. The Dream switch is recognized for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be described as crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a higher-pitched and resonant sound, characterized by a clean and immersive auditory experience. While both switches produce a notable sound when pressed, the Dream's clackiness contrasts with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's sharper resonance, making each switch an appealing choice depending on personal sound preference.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream is noted for its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force for actuation, which significantly enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. The mild resistance makes for an approachable typing experience that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned typists. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its polished and creamy feel, suggesting a smooth, slick key travel aided by factory lubing or high-quality materials. This creamy performance provides a silky typing sensation that enables effortless keystrokes, making it a dream for users who favor fluidity in their typing experience. While the Dream offers gentleness, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow emphasizes smoothness and comfort, appealing to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switches each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences. The Dream's clacky sound and easy-to-press feel provide an engaging experience for those who enjoy more auditory feedback and light resistance, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a clean, resonant sound profile paired with a polished, creamy feel for users who prioritize smooth typing. Ultimately, both options are excellent choices for enthusiasts seeking quality in the linear switch category, and the decision between them will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, your preferences play a vital role. If you're seeking a lightweight typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and is perfect for long typing sessions, the Dareu Dream is an excellent choice, especially given its gentle actuation and affordable pricing. This switch's clacky sound profile will appeal to users who enjoy a crisp and bright auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and are looking for enhanced tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow might be the better option. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and creamy, smooth keystrokes, you can enjoy a polished typing experience that feels both bouncy and satisfying. Furthermore, the high-pitched, resonant sound can be ideal for those who want a sharper auditory response. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a lighter switch with a mild touch or a more polished switch with a vibrant sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
