Gateron Aliaz vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, one can immediately see the contrast in their key characteristics. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, with a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy pronounced typing feedback without the noise, giving it a 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished' feel. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. This switch offers a rich and satisfying typing experience, categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Sky V4, the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Aliaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is also relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing, which is praised for its smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability. While the Aliaz offers a more vibrant sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Sky V4 ensures a smooth typing experience with its POK material.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Aliaz continues with its polycarbonate housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Sky V4 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material used in the Aliaz.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Sky V4 will depend on personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel. While the Aliaz offers a sharp and vibrant sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Sky V4 provides a smooth and durable typing experience with its POK top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different user preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. If a user is looking for a brighter and crisper sound, the Aliaz would be the better choice. On the other hand, those seeking a smoother and clackier typing experience may prefer the Sky V4.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Aliaz has a heavier bottom out force of 75 grams, while the Sky V4 has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a heavier or lighter actuation and bottom out force for your typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, the Aliaz offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Sky V4. Gamers seeking quicker response times may lean towards the Sky V4 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more tactile and deliberate key press may find the Aliaz more to their liking. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, producing softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky sound with a deep, rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. The low-pitched nature of the Sky V4 adds a bass-heavy and mellow quality to the sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who enjoy a deeper acoustical feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aliaz is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth key presses with reduced resistance. The Sky V4, on the other hand, provides a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, giving keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Aliaz emphasizing smoothness and the Sky V4 focusing on a dynamic and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight and muted sound, while the Sky V4 stands out for its deep, thocky sound signature and bouncy key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch tailored for a quiet environment like the office, with a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced tactile feedback, then the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature and a rich typing experience, especially if you enjoy the bouncy sensation of keys, then the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch would be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities and characteristics that align with your typing style and environment.
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