Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, enthusiasts are presented with two distinct options to consider. The Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear feel and cost-effective price, making it a popular choice for those looking for both quality and affordability in a mechanical keyboard switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal noise, perfect for environments where noise reduction is key. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
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
In terms of housing materials, the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their top housing materials. The Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound and the INK blend providing a satisfying thin sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Dream and the Silent Ink Black share similarities. The Dream's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the top housing material. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which complements the top housing material by adding to the overall high-pitched and clacky sound profile of the switch. Both nylon and the INK blend contribute to the switch's overall sound experience, enhancing the tactile feedback and sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Silent Ink Black plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While the materials used for the top housing may differ between the two switches, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and the INK blend providing a unique clacky sound, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. Nylon and the INK blend both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall tactile feedback and sound experience of the switches. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch creates a balanced sound profile that caters to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Silent Ink Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Additionally, the Dream switch does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the Silent Ink Black switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch requires more force to press down completely compared to the Dream switch. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dream switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push feel of the Silent Ink Black switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can rely on a consistent travel distance to meet your typing needs.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted typing experience, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Dream switch offers a more crisp and percussive sound, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for quiet environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
As for feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by an easy-to-press quality, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a low-impact typing feel. It also offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of this switch contributes to a sleek typing experience by minimizing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide exceptional performance in their respective categories. The Dareu Dream switch is a budget-friendly option that delivers a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels at providing a quiet and silky smooth typing feel with a muted sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer reliable performance and can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your specific needs and preferences as a keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a very light linear switch with a budget-friendly price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a medium-heavy switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would better suit your needs. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Dream switch would be a good fit, whereas if you lean towards a muted sound and silky, polished feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, bottom out force, and price. Choose wisely to ensure an optimal typing experience that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
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