Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and Gateron Jupiter Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct qualities. The Dareu Dream switch is a light linear option with a great balance between quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a smooth keystroke with medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds. While the Dream switch is known for being easy-to-press and clacky, the Jupiter Red switch is polished, creamy, and silky. Both switches provide a seamless typing experience, but cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Gateron Jupiter Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches designed to use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall typing experience. Both switches utilize this material in their top housing, ensuring a similar sound and feel when typing.
In contrast, the Dream and Jupiter Red differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red also employs a nylon bottom housing, showcasing a similar sound profile to the Dream. This commonality between the two switches in terms of bottom housing material results in a comparable typing experience, with both switches offering a deeper and fuller sound when pressed.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in both the Dareu Dream and Gateron Jupiter Red switches ensures a balanced sound profile when typing. The stiff polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharp and crisp typing experience, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, creating a fuller tone. While there may be subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches due to variations in design and construction, the overall typing experience on both switches is likely to be relatively similar, thanks to the shared qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dareu Dream is unknown, while the Gateron Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Jupiter Red switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel compared to the Dream switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Dream switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Jupiter Red switch. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience between the two switches. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches allows for a smooth keystroke without requiring excessive force, providing a comfortable typing experience for users. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, you can count on consistent and satisfying key presses with a moderate travel distance.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, adding a tactile element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various environments. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Dream switch leaning towards a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Jupiter Red switch maintains a balanced and versatile sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is easy-to-press with a mild typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch provides a polished and creamy typing experience with a silky smoothness that minimizes resistance. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience with the Dream switch focusing on effortless key presses and the Jupiter Red switch emphasizing refined key travel. Overall, while the Dream switch presents a more straightforward typing feel, the Jupiter Red switch delivers a luxurious and polished typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dream switch stands out for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, providing a lively and low-impact typing experience. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Red switch excels in its neutral sound profile and polished, creamy feel, offering a smooth and high-precision typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light and easy-to-press switch with a more affordable price point, the Dareu Dream may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force switch that offers a smooth and polished typing experience with softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Red might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your desired bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel when typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style for an optimal keyboard experience.
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