Dareu Dream vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, enthusiasts are presented with two distinct options. The Dareu Dream switches offer a very light linear option with an attractive price point, catering to those who prioritize both quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts provide a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Dream is characterized as easy-to-press and clacky, the U4T is known for its bassy and sharp feel. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Gazzew U4T both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. The polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both materials are able to enhance the overall typing experience, but they do so in different ways - with the Dream offering a sharper sound and the U4T providing a deeper sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dream utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. This contrasts with the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Despite both switches using different materials for their bottom housing, they both aim to enhance the sound experience by providing a deeper and more satisfying typing sound. The nylon and Gazzew blend materials bring their unique properties to the switches, ultimately creating a distinct typing experience for users.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and overall feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Dareu Dream and Gazzew U4T utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately work together to create a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it is the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Dream or the deep sound of the Gazzew blend in the U4T, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4T is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Dream's unspecified bottom out force. The Dream switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, while the U4T switch would be more suitable for those looking for a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Both switches offer different advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of both switches, it is evident that they offer the same level of keypress sensation in terms of distance traveled. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gazzew U4T, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback experienced when typing or gaming. Both switches provide a standard travel distance that caters to a comfortable typing experience, allowing users to easily adjust to the feel of the switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches plays a significant role in determining the overall typing experience and feedback received by users.
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 Gazzew U4T 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 offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy thocky sound, creating a deep and rich auditory experience that resonates with each press. The Dream switch will provide a more percussive and bright sound, while the U4T switch will deliver a deeper and more satisfying tone, offering a different auditory experience depending on personal preferences and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild, requiring minimal force to activate while offering a low-impact and comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a sharp tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that enhances the typing sensation by offering intense feedback with every keypress. The Dream switch will cater to those who prefer a gentle typing experience, while the U4T switch will satisfy users seeking a more pronounced tactile response in their switches.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its affordability and light linear feel, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option with an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch excels in providing a harmonious blend of thocky bassiness and sharp tactility, offering users a distinct tactile feedback and satisfying sound profile with each keypress. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Gazzew U4T, you can expect to get similar results in terms of quality and performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preference for switch characteristics. If you prioritize a light linear switch with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a medium-heavy switch with a satisfying tactile bump and bassy 'thock' sound profile, the Gazzew U4T switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a light and easy-to-press feel or a sharp and intense tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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