Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Gateron Glory Red both stand out as excellent linear options, each offering unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream switches are particularly appealing for enthusiasts on a budget, as they provide a very light actuation force along with an impressive clacky sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is both satisfying and affordable. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and pleasing travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. While the Dream is known for its ease of actuation and mild feedback, the Glory Red switches excel in their overall smoothness throughout the keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and Gateron Glory Red switches, a significant distinction is found in their respective top hosing materials. The Dareu Dream utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the clarity and resonance when a key is pressed or released. The rigity of polycarbonate creates a more pronounced auditory experience, making it especially suitable for those who favor a crisper sound during typing. This material choice is also advantageous for RGB lighting as its translucency allows the illumination to shine through clearly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
On the other hand, the top housing of the Gateron Glory Red is made from nylon, a traditional choice in switch design that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nature of nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, which leads to a more muted auditory experience compared to polycarbonate. Consequently, the Glory Red switches might provide a damping effect that results in a softer and rounder sound when typing. As both switches feature contrasting materials for their top housings, users can expect differing acoustics, with polycarbonate favoring brightness and nylon lending itself to warmth.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a similar acoustic experience. The use of nylon in both the Dareu Dream and Gateron Glory Red contributes to deeper sound characteristics that offer a dampened effect as you bottom out the keys. Thus, while users might experience different sound profiles when engaging the top housings, the nylon bottom will contribute to a cohesive sound experience that balances the overall auditory feedback. If users seek similar results in terms of sound depth and warmth, they may find that the nylon material in the bottom housing creates a shared foundation across both models, allowing for a more unified typing experience despite the differences in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the actuation forces differ, with the Dream requiring a lighter 40 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Glory Red's 45 grams. This makes the Dareu Dream a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions or gameplay without fatigue. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, meaning we cannot compare how they feel when pressed fully down. However, given the known actuation forces, the Dream is the lighter option while the Glory Red offers a slightly heavier push, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means the Dream switch offers a deeper keypress, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Glory Red's shorter travel distance allows for quicker key actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking rapid responses in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference; users seeking a more pronounced depth should opt for the Dareu Dream, while those who favor a snappier feedback will likely benefit from the Gateron Glory Red. In this comparison, the Dream is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Glory Red is the shorter one at 3.6 mm.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp, bright, and percussive noise when pressed. This can contribute to a lively typing experience, especially for those who enjoy an audible feedback with their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches do not have a specific sound description provided, leaving a gap in the understanding of how they might compare acoustically. However, it’s important to note that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means that users may experience different auditory feedback regardless of the switch itself.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch offers a very light and easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance not only makes typing more effortless but also reduces finger fatigue over extended periods, enhancing comfort for the typist. The Dream switch is characterized as mild, striking a balance that caters to a wide range of users. In comparison, the specifics of the feel for the Gateron Glory Red switches remain unknown, making it difficult to draw direct parallels or contrasts. However, users can expect a smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance based on the general description of the Glory Red's performance.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and light, comfortable feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches present an opportunity for an equally smooth typing experience without the auditory feedback described. With the Dream’s affordability and balanced qualities, it may appeal to those who prioritize sound and a gentle typing experience, while the Glory Red's performance remains enigmatic but potentially offers similarly enjoyable and smooth keystrokes. Choosing between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and the unknown feel of the Gateron Glory Red switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a lightweight, affordable option that provides a clacky sound and a comfortable, easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switches may be the best fit for you. Their light actuation force and clacky sound can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable, especially if you tend to type for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance without specific sound attributes defining your experience, the Gateron Glory Red switches might be preferable. They are designed for a pleasurable typing experience, and while they do not have the same clacky sound profile as the Dareu Dreams, their performance during everyday use might resonate better with your typing habits. Consider trying both types if possible and see which one feels right under your fingertips; each switch has its unique charm and potential to enhance your keyboard experience.
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