Dareu Dream vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Dareu Dream and the Gateron North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a linear typing experience, but each has its own unique characteristics. The Dareu Dream switches are distinguished by their light and easy-to-press feel, as well as their clacky sound profile and mild tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switches have a gummy and creamy typing feel, with a subdued sound profile and a satisfyingly bouncy and polished touch. While the Dream offers affordability and quality, the North Pole V2 provides a unique typing experience with its chewy 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Gateron North Pole V2, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Dream also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material affects the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. The Dream's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a unique sound experience that combines sharpness from the top housing with depth and fullness from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's consistent use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing creates a more uniform, crisper sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing the key.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Dream and the Gateron North Pole V2 comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The Dream offers a combination of sharp, crisp tones from its polycarbonate top housing and deep, full tones from its nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the North Pole V2 provides a consistent, clear sound profile throughout due to its uniform use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing. Both switches excel in their own ways, offering different experiences for users based on their preferred sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Dream is lighter in both aspects. The Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, making the Dream the lighter option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Additionally, the Dream does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the North Pole V2 due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Dream provides a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions, while the North Pole V2 offers a heavier bottom out force for a more solid typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing these two switches, it is clear that both offer a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, providing a similar typing experience for users. As a result, whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gateron North Pole V2, you can expect a comparable travel distance that will allow for smooth and responsive keystrokes.
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 North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 offers a clacky typing experience, with a sharp and snappy sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but still less pronounced than other switches. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Dream being more lively and the North Pole V2 being more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The North Pole V2, on the other hand, offers a unique gummy and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. Additionally, it offers a bouncy and polished feel, giving a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the Dream being easy-to-press and mild, while the North Pole V2 is gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished.
Overall, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide excellent options for enthusiasts seeking quality linear switches at an affordable price point. Whether you prefer a more clacky and easy-to-press typing experience with the Dream or a more subdued and gummy typing feel with the North Pole V2, you can expect satisfying results with either switch in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a very light linear switch with a more affordable price point, then the Dareu Dream switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique and bouncy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch could be the right fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of characteristics and qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your choice.
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