Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Dream and Gateron Luciola are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is praised for its light and easy-to-press feel, making it an affordable yet quality option for enthusiasts looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a unique sound profile. While the Dream is known for its affordability and easy actuation, the Luciola offers a more tactile and visually appealing option. 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
55g
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
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Gateron Luciola both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Dream utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Luciola uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Dream's polycarbonate housing may provide a crisper sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend.
In terms of bottom housing, the Dareu Dream features a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is different from the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is clacky. While both bottom housing materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Dream's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Dareu Dream and Gateron Luciola switches results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dream offers a contrast between crisp and duller sound, while the Luciola's use of the proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housing results in a more consistent clacky sound profile. Both switches showcase how variations in housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Luciola requires 55 grams to actuate. As for bottom out force, the Dream's value is unknown, whereas the Luciola has a medium 60-gram bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dream switch, as it requires less force to actuate, making it suitable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Luciola switch, with its heavier actuation force providing a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Luciola is shorter than the Dream by 0.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dream leaning more towards the average while the Luciola offering a slightly shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Luciola for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Dream with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 and Gateron Luciola switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. However, the Luciola switches also have additional descriptors like chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, giving them a bit more variety in sound compared to the Dream switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switches are described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with low actuation force. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches are characterized as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a responsive and smooth typing sensation with reduced friction. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Luciola switches may provide a more lively and refined feel compared to the Dream switches.
Overall, while both the Dareu Dream and Gateron Luciola linear switches are quality options for enthusiasts seeking affordability, they do have some differences in sound and feel. If you prefer a more varied sound profile, the Luciola switches may be more appealing with their additional descriptors. However, if you prioritize a gentle typing experience with minimal force required, the Dream switches offer a comfortable and easy-to-press option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you should keep a few key points in mind. If you are looking for a very light linear option at an affordable price, the Dareu Dream switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a unique glowing feature, the Gateron Luciola switches would be the way to go. Consider the sound profile you prefer as well, with the Dream being described as clacky and the Luciola offering a mix of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds. Lastly, think about the feel you are seeking in a switch, whether it be easy-to-press and mild like the Dream or snappy, buttery, and polished like the Luciola. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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