Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light actuation and attractive price point, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balance between quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a buttery and satisfying typing experience at an affordable price. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different users based on their preferences and needs. 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
52g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic absorbing more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness, making it more resonant. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the Dream's utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing provides a distinctly different sound experience.
In terms of sound profile, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a unique combination that splits the qualities of each housing material between the top and bottom of the switch. When using the Dream switch, the qualities of the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features nylon top and bottom housings, making the sound profile consistent throughout the keypress. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile across the entire switch.
While the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) use different materials for their top housings, they both rely on nylon for the bottom housing. This shared material choice results in a similar sound experience in terms of depth and fullness when typing on either switch. However, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing produces a more muted and round sound. Ultimately, the housing materials of both switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Dream is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force is unavailable for the Dream, while the Milky Red Pro requires 52 grams to bottom out, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Dream may provide a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use, while the Milky Red Pro offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a firmer keystroke feel. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, the typing experience and feel of both switches will be very similar. The similarity in travel distance makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster and more responsive typing. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance and provide a satisfying typing experience for users looking for linear switches with a 4 mm 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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 characterized by a clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper, richer, and more satisfying sound with each keystroke. The low-pitched sound of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Dream leaning towards a crisper sound, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a more bass-heavy and satisfying auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate the keys. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Dream switch make it a safe and approachable option for most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This ensures a seamless and uniform typing sensation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, each switch offers a unique typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The Dream provides a light and easy-to-press feel with a clacky sound, whereas the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a buttery smooth keystroke experience paired with a bassy and thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. It is important to consider how these qualities will complement your typing style and preferences to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a very light linear option at an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a smooth keystroke experience with minimal bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches would be a great fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the feel, sound, and budget, ensuring that you select the switch that best suits your typing style and needs.
Mentioned in this article
