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Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Dareu Sky V3

An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preferences regarding feel and sound. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is a tactile option that stands out for its gentle bump sensation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy feedback while typing without the distraction of an overpowering actuation force. Its ability to enhance RGB lighting for a more vibrant visual experience further appeals to gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch that prioritizes smooth keystrokes and a neutral sound profile, providing an optimal balance of comfort and precision for a versatile typing experience. While the G Pro Brown caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback, the Sky V3 is ideal for those who prefer seamless key presses without any tactile interruptions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

63g

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

20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Sky V3, one of the most prominent similarities is found in their top housing material—both switches utilize polycarbonate. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. As a result, users of either switch can expect a clear and resonant audio experience, especially beneficial for those who incorporate RGB lighting; the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, allowing the light to shine through elegantly. Therefore, if one were to use these switches side by side, they would likely note a consistent performance in terms of upper sound characteristics.

Conversely, the bottom housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Sky V3 present a unifying aspect as both switches utilize nylon. Nylon's characteristic softness lends itself to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This commonality between the two switches ensures that users will experience a rounder and more muted sound when bottoming out the keys. As the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound at the bottom of the keystroke, both switches deliver a comparable tactile experience, allowing for a comforting yet muted auditory feedback.

In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Sky V3 share similar housing materials in both their top and bottom sections, the interplay of these materials creates a distinct yet unified typing experience. Users can anticipate a clear and vibrant sound attributed to the polycarbonate tops, paralleling each of their bottom-out experiences provided by the nylon housings. Nevertheless, despite the materials being the same, subtle differences in switch design or tuning may influence the overall feel and audio characteristics to some extent. Overall, the similarity in housing materials directly contributes to the expected sound profiles and tactile sensations when typing, making both switches appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking a coherent acoustic experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which influence user experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it considerably easier to press. While the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown, the lack of a specified value means we cannot assess how it compares to the G Pro 3.0’s 63 grams. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Sky V3 is the better option, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a heavier, more substantial feel for those who favor a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. As a result, users can expect similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch, contributing to a comparable typing experience. This uniform travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of travel distance when used in mechanical keyboards.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown 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

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch presents a medium-high pitch that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to the typing experience, enhancing overall enjoyment. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is characterized by a neutral and subdued sound profile. This means that while it's not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound upon actuation, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The differences in sound suggest that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more engaging auditory result compared to the more muted responsiveness of the Sky V3.

Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force which contributes to a comfortable typing experience, especially during lengthy sessions. It also features a mild, tactile bump that is noticeable yet not intrusive, making it accessible for users with a range of preferences. The stepped quality of the G Pro 3.0 Brown allows for both pre-travel and post-travel sensations, further enhancing its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is described as mild as well, offering a gentle typing experience. Like the G Pro 3.0 Brown, it presents a balanced feel that is approachable for most users, emphasizing comfort and precision, but without the tactile feedback that the tactile Brown switch provides.

In summary, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Dareu Sky V3 switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in different ways. The G Pro 3.0 Brown’s tactile feedback and engaging sound create a lively environment, especially for those who prefer some auditory and physical response during typing. Meanwhile, the Sky V3 presents a neutral, subdued option that caters to those seeking a quieter and smoother experience. If you value tactile feedback and sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be your preference, while a more subdued, linear feel can be found with the Dareu Sky V3. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on your specific needs and preferences in typing feel and sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate tactile feedback while typing and prefer a moderate actuation force that provides a gentle bump without being overwhelming, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-high pitch auditory feedback and the noticeable tactile sensation enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming where you want that extra confirmation for each key press. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother typing experience without the tactile interruption, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch could be more suitable. Its neutral sound signature and mild characteristics make it versatile for various typing scenarios, pleasing for both work and leisure without being obtrusive. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound; whether you prefer the tactile engagement of the G Pro Brown or the seamless flow of the Sky V3 will define your ideal mechanical switch selection.

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