Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is clear that both offer their own unique advantages. The Dareu Dream switches are highly praised for their lightness, clacky sound, and mild feel, all while being affordable, making them an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking for a quality switch without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches are known for their smooth downstroke, rich clack, low-pitched sound, bassy feel, chirpy feedback, and polished construction, making them a popular choice among the community. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Black V2 feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profile. While the Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the Ink Black V2 employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing for a pointed and high-pitched but not overly sharp sound. Both materials offer different sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a resonant sound and the INK blend offering a clacky sound. However, both materials are known for producing satisfying sound experiences, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dream utilizes a nylon material for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for a pointed and high-pitched sound. Nylon is described as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the INK blend is known for its thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switch, allowing for a customizable typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
The distribution of these housing materials also plays a role in the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing primarily impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Dream and the Ink Black V2 will have slightly different typing experiences based on the distribution of their housing materials. However, both switches ultimately provide unique and satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Dream's bottom out force is unknown, while the Ink Black V2 has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This difference in bottom out force may affect the overall typing experience, particularly for users who tend to bottom out their keystrokes frequently. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Dareu Dream, while those desiring a heavier feel may opt for the Gateron Ink Black V2 for similar results in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance between the two switches, it is evident that they provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gateron Ink Black V2, you can expect to receive comparable results in terms of keypress depth and overall typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound, or tactile feedback.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, with a unique chirpiness that sets it apart. Depending on personal preference, the Dream switch provides a crisper and brighter sound, while the Ink Black V2 switch offers a deeper and richer tone.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Dream and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. The Dream switch is highlighted for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Ink Black V2 switch is also noted for its mild feel, but with an added touch of polish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer different sound profiles and slight variations in feel, they both deliver quality performance for enthusiasts looking for linear options. Whether seeking a more clacky and crisp sound with easy-to-press actuation like the Dream switch, or a bassier and polished typing experience with the Ink Black V2 switch, users can expect reliable performance and a satisfying typing feel from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a very light switch with no bottom out force for effortless typing and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you favor a medium-heavy switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is a solid choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and budget constraints. Happy typing!
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