Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, one can see significant differences in their characteristics. The Dareu Dream is best known for being an easy-to-press, clacky, and mild linear switch, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking for a quality switch at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out with its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Dream offers a light and budget-friendly option, the Smoothie Silver provides a unique typing experience with its distinctive features. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique sound profiles based on their composition. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their advantages: polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting, while POM creates a pleasing and unique sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing, the Dream utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While each material offers its own unique qualities, the overall typing sound and feel are greatly influenced by the combination of top and bottom housing materials. When comparing the two switches, it's evident that nylon and POM both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience, enhancing the sound profile and feel of the switches in different ways.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Dream and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Dream's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon vs. POM bottom housings of each switch contribute to the overall typing sound and feel, with nylon offering a fuller sound and POM adding a unique depth. Despite these differences, both switches excel in enhancing the typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper, more muted one, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force of the Dareu Dream linear switch is lighter at 40 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch which requires 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Dream switch for a smoother typing experience and less fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a stronger push feel. In terms of actuation force, the Dream switch would be considered lighter while the Smoothie Silver switch is heavier, providing users with options based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Dream's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance is preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different benefits based on personal preference, with the Dream providing a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, while the Smoothie Silver offers a shorter travel distance for faster responses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This can give a satisfying and responsive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is described as thocky, providing a unique sound profile that is smooth and soft, rather than sharp and loud. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the crispness of the Dream switch, while others may enjoy the softer sound of the Smoothie Silver switch.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This can lead to reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild nature of the Dream switch provides a typing experience that is approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility and feedback. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, both the Dareu Dream and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Dream switch is known for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts a thocky sound and short travel distance for quick actuation. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper or softer sound, as well as a light or unknown feel, you can choose between these switches to achieve a typing experience that suits your individual preferences. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value affordability and a light, easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound, then the Dareu Dream switch is a great option for you. However, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, and unparalleled smoothness, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize price and lightness or speed and smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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