Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Dareu Sky V3 present intriguing options with unique characteristics. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that offers a refreshingly lightweight feel. Known for its stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound signature, it falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight. Popular for its balance of comfort and precision, it is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild'. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky V3 both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Beer and the Sky V3 diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material. While the Beer also uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Sky V3 opts for a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Sky V3 elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky V3 play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a unique combination of qualities in each switch. When pressing down on the Beer, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. The top housing of each switch also influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer offering a sharper sound compared to the Sky V3.
While both the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Beer's bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon material in the Sky V3 creates a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction highlights how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to a variety of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Beer switch requires slightly less force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer tactile switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sky V3 switch is unknown. Having a lighter bottom out force can result in a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods of use. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Beer switch, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Dareu Sky V3 switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch. This means that the Beer switch offers a quicker response time compared to the Sky V3. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch for faster gameplay. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Beer switch being better suited for those who prefer a more rapid response, while the Sky V3 switch is ideal for users who enjoy a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 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 Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience with its crisp and bright tones. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a more subdued sound compared to the Beer switch. This makes the Sky V3 suitable for a variety of environments and preferences, providing a quieter typing experience overall. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. The stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing experience with two distinct stages, making it feel more mild compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild typing experience, striking a balance between comfort and precision. The Sky V3's qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Beer switch provides a more tactile and clacky typing experience with its easy-to-press design and stepped tactility, the Sky V3 switch offers a smoother and more neutral typing experience with its medium-light weight and mild characteristics. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer satisfying results, whether it be a sharper and more tactile feel with the Beer switch or a more subdued and neutral experience with the Sky V3 switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light switch with a unique tactile profile and a clacky sound signature, the Beer switches may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a versatile switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Sky V3 switches may be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Beer and the Sky V3 switch will depend on what features are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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