Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Sky V3 both stand out as excellent options, each with its own unique features and benefits. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, is renowned for its premium quality at an affordable price point. With a heavy 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, it offers a substantial typing experience that appeals to those seeking a more robust feel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3, also a linear switch, is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky', 'Subtle', the Sky V3 is described as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Mild'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Sky V3 offer contrasting options. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a unique combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing. The INK blend top housing provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3 opts for a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite their differences, the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Sky V3 share some similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize high-quality materials known for enhancing sound profiles and overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sky V3 and the INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black are designed to optimize sound and feel for users. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V3 and the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black contribute to a more well-rounded typing experience. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback with these switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Sky V3 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a combination of a clacky top housing and a deep bottom housing for a unique typing experience, the Sky V3 provides a sharp top housing and a fuller bottom housing for a different feel. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a muted bottom or a sharper sound with a fuller bottom, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance overall typing performance. Regardless of your choice, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience with their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which only requires 40 grams to actuate. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black will provide a slightly heavier typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black also has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown, making it difficult to compare in terms of how much pressure is needed to fully press the switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Sky V3 may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier touch, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar feel and experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch. While both switches share the same travel distance, they may differ in other characteristics such as actuation force and overall smoothness of keystrokes. Overall, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Sky V3, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature, with a moderate sound profile that caters to a wide range of preferences. Both switches also exhibit a subdued sound quality, ensuring that typing is not overly disruptive in shared environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the surrounding environment.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is lauded for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a milder typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and precision, catering to different typing preferences without compromising on quality.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing experience, the Sky V3 offers a more neutral sound profile and a milder typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are designed to deliver premium quality performance at a competitive price point, ensuring that users can enjoy a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced feel and a medium-high pitch sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantive typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, choose the Sky V3 if you are looking for a versatile switch with a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a wide range of typing preferences. The Sky V3 offers a comfortable and precise typing experience suitable for both enthusiasts and professionals. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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