Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Oil King both offer linear options with unique characteristics. The Dareu Dream switches are known for their lightness and affordability, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts who seek quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switches are favored for their buttery smoothness and a rich sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Dream is known for being easy to press, clacky, and mild, the Oil King is characterized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Gateron Oil King both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Dream featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King has a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Nylon, on the other hand, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. The INK blend by Gateron results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is satisfyingly clacky.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Oil King aim to enhance the sound profile and typing experience of their switches. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing and the Oil King's nylon top housing may create different sound profiles, but both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream and the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King each contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In essence, the choice between the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Oil King ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing may offer a sharper and clearer sound, the Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Dream offers a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King delivers a clacky sound profile. Both switches excel in their own ways, offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, with 40 grams versus 55 grams, respectively. However, the bottom out force for the Oil King is also higher at 65 grams compared to the Dream, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, the Dareu Dream may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Gateron Oil King with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. Both switches provide different options for users based on their preferred typing feel and force requirements. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and typing experience. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to other mechanical switches, providing a quick and responsive typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you can expect a comparable travel distance that contributes to a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which offers a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound, resembling the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. If you prefer a lighter and crisper sound, the Dream may be more appealing, while the Oil King offers a deeper and richer tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Oil King, on the other hand, provides a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of the keystrokes. With a polished finish and lubricated components, the Oil King delivers a premium typing experience that glides effortlessly under your fingertips. If you prefer a lighter and more mild typing feel, the Dream may suit your preferences, while the Oil King offers a luxurious and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch is a great choice for those seeking a light and easy-to-press switch with a clacky sound profile. It is a cost-effective option for enthusiasts looking for a blend of quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing feel, accompanied by a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. With a focus on smoothness and premium quality, the Oil King is a top choice for users who prioritize a luxurious typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a light switch with easy actuation and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a smooth, buttery feel and a rich sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch might be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Make sure to test out both options if possible to see which one feels the best for your typing needs.
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