Dareu Dream vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Dareu Dream and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its lightweight linear design, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Renowned for its affordability and value, this switch is an excellent choice for users seeking quality without breaking the bank. Its characteristics—easy to press and clacky with a mild sound profile—make it appealing for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile experience that is subtle yet satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a physical feedback as they type. Its balanced sound profile enhances the tactile feel, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. While the Dareu Dream excels in speed and affordability, the Weightlessness brings a nuanced touch that may appeal more to those who prefer a tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Gateron Weightlessness differ significantly in their top housing materials, which directly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which often results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances clarity. Polycarbonate's translucency is also advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing for an illuminated aesthetic that is visually striking. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which produces a noticeably deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs vibrations more effectively, limiting the high-frequency output and giving the switch a more muted character compared to the brighter sound of the Dream. This disparity in top housing materials leads to fundamentally different auditory experiences when typing.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Dareu Dream and Gateron Weightlessness share a common trait in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This consistency in material means that when pressed, both switches deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. As both switches feature a nylon bottom, the tactile feedback and sound produced when bottoming out keys will feel and sound quite similar. In this regard, the experience when typing on either switch will evoke a rich, solid sensation, providing a comforting and satisfying response at the end of each keystroke.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dareu Dream and Gateron Weightlessness create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Dream delivers a crisp high-end sound suited for those who enjoy a more acute auditory feedback, the Weightlessness offers a warm and subdued experience that some may find more pleasant. Ultimately, the shared nylon bottom housing serves to balance the overall typing experience, ensuring that both switches maintain a harmonious depth of sound during use.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we observe that the actuation forces differ significantly, with the Dream switch requiring a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Weightlessness switch's 50 grams. This means that the Dream switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch, with its heavier actuation force, caters to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Unfortunately, both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, making it difficult to draw any conclusions on how they feel when fully pressed down. In essence, if you're looking for a lighter, more comfortable pressing experience, the Dareu Dream is the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a firmer resistance should lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper press. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that users who gravitate towards shorter travel distances for quicker response times may find the Weightlessness switch more appealing, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys might opt for the Dream switch. Overall, the Dream offers a longer travel distance compared to the Weightlessness, catering to different user preferences in terms of depth and tactile feedback.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches deliver a clacky sound profile. This means that each key press produces a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive, contributing to a lively typing experience. The sound quality is further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps but reflects a more expressive tone overall. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a specified sound profile available, leaving their sound characteristics somewhat of an unknown factor. Therefore, users should expect the possibility of a quieter or different audio feedback, depending on individual preferences.
The feel of the Dareu Dream switches is prominently characterized by being easy to press, requiring minimal force for actuation. This reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions and creates a comfortable, low-impact typing experience. Additionally, their mild nature allows for an approachable typing feel, appealing to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, there is no detailed description of the feel for the Gateron Weightlessness switches, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this area.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Dream linear switches are recognized for their light touch and engaging clacky sound, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a more subdued tactile experience, although specific details on their sound and feel are missing. For those prioritizing auditory feedback and a light typing feel, the Dream may be more appealing, while the Weightlessness may suit users who prefer a more balanced tactile response without strong characteristics. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback, but both brands can provide satisfying typing experiences for their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your decision ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially if you spend long hours on your keyboard, the Dareu Dream switch would be an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel make it ideal for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions where rapid key presses are crucial. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that enhances typing with a subtle but noticeable bump at actuation, the Gateron Weightlessness switches would suit you perfectly. Their balanced sound, along with the mild tactile experience, can create a satisfying blend of typing quality and comfort, making them a great option for users who enjoy a bit more engagement with each keystroke without sacrificing overall comfort. Consider these aspects carefully, and you'll find the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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