Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to varying preferences for typing feel and performance. The Dareu Dream switch stands out as a very light linear switch, which is not only easy to press but also offers a clacky sound profile—all while being attractively priced, making it an excellent choice for users who value quality without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Gateron Mars introduces an innovative approach to linear switches, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing that blends Nylon and POM, promising durability and a smooth typing experience. While the Dream emphasizes accessibility and pleasant auditory feedback, the Mars underscores technological advancement and long-lasting performance. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Mars switches, one of the most notable differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it an ideal choice for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows for an impressive visual effect. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, users can expect a more muted auditory experience with the Mars, showcasing the fundamental difference in auditory character between the two switch options.
Examining the bottom housings of the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Mars reveals a similar divergence in material choice, with each contributing distinct acoustic properties. The Dream uses a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to deliver a rich and rounded sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. On the other hand, the Mars incorporates a POM bottom housing, which also imparts a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, albeit distinct from nylon. While both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, the interaction between their respective bottom housings and the top housings creates a unique sound and feel for each switch type, appealing to different user preferences.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream and Gateron Mars utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to various typing experiences. The combination of polycarbonate in the Dream’s top and nylon in its bottom results in a sharp yet rich auditory signature, while the Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, invites a deeper and fuller response. Users can achieve similar results in terms of overall modulation by carefully considering the harmonization of top and bottom materials, thereby allowing them to select switches that align with their preferences for sound and tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation forces. The Dareu Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it lighter and potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as users may find it less taxing on their fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a firmer feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Unfortunately, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, those who enjoy lighter switches would gravitate towards the Dareu Dream, while users that prefer a stronger keypress would likely choose the Gateron Mars.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that pressing the Dream switch will provide a more substantial feel due to its extra depth, which some users may appreciate for the tactile feedback it offers. On the other hand, the Mars switch, with its shorter travel distance, lends itself to quicker actuation, making it potentially better suited for gamers seeking rapid response times. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the Dream's 4 mm travel distance caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, while the Mars's 3.6 mm distance aligns with the trend toward shallower, more responsive switches. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more robust typing experience, the Dareu Dream is the ideal choice, whereas the Gateron Mars might be favored for speed and agility.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky quality, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive noise with each key press. This sharp and snappy sound can enhance the tactile experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is currently unknown; thus, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the overall auditory experience of each switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch stands out with its light actuation force, making it easy to press. This gentle resistance allows for a comfortable typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue during longer sessions. Additionally, the Dream switches are characterized as mild, ensuring an approachable experience for a wide range of users. The tactile feedback is both responsive and low-impact, providing a pleasant sensation without the strain typically associated with heavier switches. The tactile qualities of the Gateron Mars switches are unknown, which limits the ability to draw similarities or differences in feel.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch is celebrated for its clacky sound and light, comfortable actuation, the Gateron Mars linear switch offers an unknown auditory and tactile experience, leaving some questions unanswered. Those choosing between these switches might find that the Dareu Dream provides a well-rounded entry point into the world of mechanical keyboards, balancing sound and feel effectively, while the Mars switches may still hold unique qualities that could appeal to specific preferences yet to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who prioritizes a lightweight, easy-to-press feel and an affordable option, the Dareu Dream is likely the better choice for you. Its clacky sound profile, combined with minimal resistance during key presses, makes it ideal for those who value comfort during long typing sessions and enjoy a responsive experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more unique design and construction, characterized by Gateron's innovative POK stem and durable Nylon/POM housing, you might find the Gateron Mars more appealing, especially if you enjoy a switch that feels distinctive in your setup. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the lightweight, auditory engagement of the Dream or the innovative build quality and unique feel of the Mars. Consider your typing style, how much you value sound and design, and choose accordingly for the best experience on your mechanical keyboard.
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