Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch. The Gateron Beer is well-known for its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a refreshing and lightweight typing experience with a stepped tactility that provides a subtle feel accompanied by a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, delivering a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature for a rich and satisfying typing feel. While the Beer switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Sky V4 is described as 'thocky', 'neutral', 'low-pitched', and 'bouncy'. Both switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, highlighting the importance of delving deeper beyond general information to determine the best switch for individual needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky V4, we can see a clear difference in the top housing materials used. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing, known for its smooth and clacky feel, as well as its exceptional durability. While both materials have their advantages, the Beer's polycarbonate top housing may appeal more to those looking for a distinct and resonant sound, while the Sky V4's POK top housing offers a smoother typing experience with added durability.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, we see another point of contrast between the two switches. The Beer once again features polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper sound profile and clear resonant typing experience. Conversely, the Sky V4 utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer touch, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer may offer a more precise and crisp typing feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 provides a more muted and cushioned typing experience.

When considering the overall typing experience of the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky V4, it is evident that the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound and feel of each switch. While the Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharp and resonant typing experience, the Sky V4's POK and nylon housings offer a smoother and fuller sound profile with added durability. Whether you prefer a crisper or clackier typing experience, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both categories. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Beer. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Beer may be the preferred choice. However, for users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Sky V4 may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Beer switch would provide a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those looking for a fast and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch's slightly longer travel distance may offer a bit more depth and feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy noise upon key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a deeper "thocky" sound, creating a more rich and satisfying auditory experience. The Beer switch provides a more percussive tone, while the Sky V4 switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile that complements its smooth linear action.

Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. The stepped tactility provides a subtler feel compared to other switches, adding an interesting dynamic to the typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. This bouncy feel adds a unique tactile element to typing on the Sky V4 switch.

Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped feel, the Sky V4 switch offers a thocky sound and a bouncy key feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback during typing sessions. If a clacky sound with a lightweight feel is desired, the Beer switch would be the ideal choice. In contrast, for a deeper thocky sound and a bouncy typing experience, the Sky V4 switch would be more suitable.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for key feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter touch with a subtle tactile bump and a clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth linear action with a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy key feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switches could be more suitable. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to determine which switch would better suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more