Dareu Master vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both offer a smooth typing experience. The Master switch is liked for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch is known for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Dareu Master and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° in terms of housing materials lies in their top housing. The Master features a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Zero Degree's polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material used in the Zero Degree 0° creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, adding a visual appeal to the keyboard.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Dareu Master utilizes POM material, which provides a similarly deep and muted sound profile as the top housing. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases the different sound profiles that can be achieved based on the choice of material used.
It's important to note that the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of switches like the Dareu Master and Gateron Zero Degree 0° allows for a unique typing experience. While the Master offers a consistent POM construction for both top and bottom housings, the Zero Degree 0° provides a contrast with polycarbonate and nylon materials, creating distinct sound profiles for keypresses and releases. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, users can expect a similar experience from both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement. This means that it is uncertain how much force is required to fully press the key down on either switch. In terms of weight, both switches may offer a lightweight typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, users who prefer a stronger push feel may need to test out both switches to determine which one provides a more substantial typing experience for their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. In this case, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Master. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Dareu Master with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice, but if you prefer a bit more depth in each key press, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° could be the way to go.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the Master is known for its classic clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° is designed to revolutionize silent typing, absorbing sound and reducing noise with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. If you prefer a louder, more percussive sound, the Master switch may be more suitable for you, while the Zero Degree 0° excels in providing a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch, however, does not have specific descriptions available for its feel. Based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the Zero Degree 0° switch likely provides a soft and elastic feel, given its focus on stability and smoothness.
Considering all available information, the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, the Master switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a smooth typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a medium weight linear switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Master switch from Dareu is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value silent typing and a switch with innovative design features like self-padding and dual-rail structure for unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron is a great option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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