Dareu Master vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Master, with its linear switch known as The Master, is celebrated for its medium weight providing a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers an all-POM switch that is budget-friendly while maintaining quality, delivering a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. The Master switch falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', whereas the Smoothie switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The use of POM material in both switches results in a similar sound experience, making them both appealing choices for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Despite their similarities in housing material, the switches may vary in terms of their overall feel and sound due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
In terms of construction, the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie differ slightly in how the qualities of the housing material are distributed. The bottom housing of the switch plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This distribution of qualities means that users may notice a subtle difference in sound and feel between the two switches, even though they both utilize POM material. This highlights the importance of considering all aspects of a switch's design when choosing the right one for your typing preferences.
Overall, the Dareu Master and the Gateron Smoothie offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared used of POM housing material. However, the slight variations in how the qualities of the material are distributed between the top and bottom housings may result in subtle differences in feel and sound between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and specific typing needs, as both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with a focus on reduced noise and a deeper sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see that the Master has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie's 45 grams. This means that the Master switch will require a bit more force to register a keystroke. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Master for a more substantial typing experience. In general, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, but the slight difference may be noticeable to some users.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Master. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their quicker response times, particularly among gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Master to be too abrupt, while others may prefer the extra depth provided by the longer travel distance of the Smoothie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
The Gateron Smoothie 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. While the Master switch leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound, the Smoothie switch produces a softer and more bass-heavy tone. Both switches bring unique sound profiles to the table, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master switch is praised for its mild typing experience, striking a balance between comfort and tactility. The switch is described as polished, offering smooth and refined key travel for a sleek typing sensation. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch is characterized as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The switch is also noted for its creamy and silky typing feel, ensuring a smooth and uniform sensation with each key press. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasant typing experience, with the Master leaning towards a gentler feel and the Smoothie emphasizing a buttery smoothness.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Master switch provides a clacky sound and a mild, polished typing experience, appealing to users seeking a crisp and refined feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound and a buttery, creamy typing feel, prioritizing smoothness and fluidity in operation. While the sound and feel of the switches differ, both options are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the Master and Smoothie switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound with medium weight and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound with a lightweight touch and remarkable smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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