Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Dareu Sky V3 stand out as exceptional choices. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its novel CAP structure, providing exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its aerodynamic stem design with tiny holes and enlarged, hollowed-out stem post. Categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', this switch offers stability and minimal wobble for an elevated typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild', the Sky V3 switches strike a balance between comfort and precision. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Dareu Sky V3 use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design of the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the CAP Anniversary utilizes nylon while the Sky V3 also employs nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, impacting the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches.
While both switches share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, the distinction lies in how these materials affect the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, are more pronounced when pressing down on the switches. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The CAP Anniversary has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sky V3's lighter 40 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the CAP Anniversary requires 65 grams while the Sky V3's bottom out force is unknown. The CAP Anniversary offers a slightly heavier typing experience with both its actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a lighter actuation force, which allows for smoother and quicker typing, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In this case, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of both switches, it is clear that they provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. This means that whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or the Sky V3, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of key feel and feedback. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, offering users a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 CAP Anniversary switch offers a unique experience with its novel CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design, resulting in exceptionally smooth keystrokes. While the sound profile of the CAP Anniversary switch is not explicitly described, the design elements that reduce resistance and enhance smoothness likely contribute to a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various typing preferences without being overly loud or clicky.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is praised for its snappiness and smooth typing experience. This can be attributed to its unique stem design and stability features, providing a responsive and comfortable feel for users. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone for most users.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Dareu Sky V3 switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the CAP Anniversary switch excels in providing smoothness and stability with a potentially subdued sound profile, the Sky V3 switch offers a neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches are sure to deliver satisfactory typing experiences. If one enjoys a smooth and stable typing experience with potentially quieter keypresses, the CAP Anniversary switch may be the preferred choice. Conversely, if one values a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing feel, the Sky V3 switch is likely to be the more appealing option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, stable keystroke with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound signature, a medium-light weight, and a more gentle typing experience, the Sky V3 could be the switch that suits your preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and overall feel to make the decision that best fits your typing style and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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