Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Milky Yellow 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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) stand out as popular linear options with their own unique characteristics. The Dareu Dream offers an easy-to-press experience with a clacky feel, all at an attractive price point, making it a top choice for those looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is lauded for its smoothness, buttery goodness, low-pitched "thocky" sound, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it a great all-purpose switch for gaming and typing on a budget. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics like polycarbonate, making it a popular choice for switch housings in mechanical keyboards. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Dareu Dream or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, we see a difference between the two switches. The Dareu Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic composition. The choice of top housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with polycarbonate providing a more distinct and clear typing experience compared to nylon.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing materials also plays a role. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing. On the other hand, nylon may not have the same translucency, but it offers a classic look that is popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with options to suit their personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The bottom out force of the Dream is unknown, while the Milky Yellow Pro requires 62 grams to bottom out, which is considered to be a medium force. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Dream would be the better option. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired with a stronger push feel, the Milky Yellow Pro would be a suitable choice. In both cases, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces is crucial in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. While both switches offer the same tactile experience in terms of travel distance, they may differ in other aspects such as actuation force or smoothness of keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and individual typing style rather than the travel distance they offer.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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 as having a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a satisfyingly thocky tone. While the Dream switch provides a crisper and brighter sound, the Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a deeper and richer sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild, offering gentle resistance during key presses and a gentle typing experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery and textured, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Both switches aim to offer different typing experiences, with the Dream switch being more effortless and comfortable, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a uniform and satisfying typing sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch presents a lighter linear option at an attractive price point, ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the epitome of a classic budget switch, excelling in both gaming and typing scenarios with its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance. While both switches deliver different sound and feel qualities, they each cater to a specific preference, ensuring that enthusiasts can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prioritize a very light linear option with an attractive price point, making it a top choice for quality and affordability, then the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, with a smooth and buttery feel, as well as a low, "thocky" sound, then the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for a lighter feel and budget-friendly option, or a buttery smooth switch with a bit more resistance and richness in sound.
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