Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both linear switches. The Dareu Dream is praised for its light linear feel and budget-friendly price, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a balance of quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a unique sound profile reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While both switches share some qualities such as being clacky, they also have distinct characteristics like the Dream being easy-to-press and the Ink Box Black having a high-pitched and silky feel. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Box Black both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer a higher-pitched sound, the Dream's polycarbonate is known for its sharpness compared to the smoother sound of the INK blend.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound absorption qualities. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Despite both materials creating a fuller sound, the Dream's nylon bottom housing produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile of the INK blend. Overall, the housing materials of both switches contribute to their unique sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Box Black play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound. Similarly, the Dream's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between these two switches contribute to their unique typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the 60 grams required by the Ink Box Black. However, the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, while the Ink Box Black has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that while the Dream may be preferred for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Box Black is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that the Dream has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black. The Dream switch offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Ink Box Black provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black for faster response times, as shorter distances are becoming more popular. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dareu Dream with its longer travel distance. In the end, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for response time and key depth.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
In terms of sound, both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch are described as having a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This means that users can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive sound from both switches. Additionally, the Ink Box Black linear switch has the added descriptor of being high-pitched, providing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Dream switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for being easy-to-press and mild, offering minimal resistance during key presses and a gentle typing experience. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Dream switch falling into a safe middle ground in terms of typing feel.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches have some differences in sound and feel, they both offer high-quality linear options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Dream switch stands out for its affordability and light linear feel, while the Ink Box Black switch impresses with its smoothness and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for an affordable option, the Dareu Dream linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and priorities when it comes to sound and feel.
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