Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their characteristics and intended uses. The Dareu Dream is a light linear switch known for its attractive price point, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a balance between quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance and a smooth, clacky typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a laptop-like feel with a bit more tactile feedback. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Yellow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized as pointed and relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp. Both materials offer a clear and resonant sound profile, with the Dream's polycarbonate being stiffer and more translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Yellow's top housing is described as clacky and satisfying, providing a unique typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dream's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, aligning with the overall characteristics of the switch. Despite both switches featuring different bottom housing materials, they both offer unique typing experiences with varying levels of sound and feel.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing affects the sound profile when the key is released. Both the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Ink Yellow offer a balance between these qualities, with the Dream providing a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, and the Ink Yellow offering a more clacky and satisfying sound experience with its proprietary INK blend housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Dream is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, while the Ink Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Dareu Dream may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier feel is desired for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer reliable performance, so users can expect similar results in terms of durability and overall functionality.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow, which may provide a slightly more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may cater to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, making them suitable for various preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile with a slight touch of clackiness, making it suitable for various environments and users. Both switches can be affected by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material, so your overall typing experience may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a light and effortless typing experience. This switch also falls into the category of mild switches, offering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch also falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch is polished, enhancing the smoothness and refined feel of the typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have some subjective differences in sound and feel, both switches offer a pleasant and satisfying typing experience. The Dareu Dream switch excels in its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a versatile sound profile and a polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, you should choose the Dream if you prefer a very light linear option with a gentle resistance during key presses and a clacky sound. It is a top choice for those looking for quality and affordability in a switch. On the other hand, if you want a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, then the Ink Yellow is the better option. It offers a smooth and clacky typing feel, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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