Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Sky V4. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly price point and smooth typing experience. It features a medium-light actuation force, making it responsive yet easy to use, and boasts a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. While the G Pro 3.0 Red leans towards a 'Creamy' and 'Polished' feel, the Sky V4 is described as 'Thocky' and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their unique features and benefits, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Sky V4 both feature polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the Sky V4's POK top housing offers exceptional durability and smoothness that surpasses other materials like LY. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, enhancing the typing experience with a rounder sound profile.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housing, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its POK material that offers superior durability and smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red distinguishes itself with its nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The differences in housing materials between the two switches highlight how each material has a unique impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of key differences, the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing provides a softer sound profile compared to the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing, resulting in a more muffled sound when typing. On the other hand, the Sky V4's POK top housing ensures a smoother and clackier typing experience with superior durability. Despite these differences, both switches offer a quality typing experience, showcasing how different housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires 50 grams, while the Sky V4 requires 55 grams, making the Sky V4 slightly heavier in this aspect. Some might prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Red for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Sky V4 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a slightly longer keypress experience compared to the Sky V4. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky V4, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypresses may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red for $2.77.
The Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 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 Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It provides a medium-high pitch that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich sound when pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being neutral and the Sky V4 offering a deeper, low-pitched tone for those seeking a more pronounced sound.
Moving on to the typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and easy keystroke with a polished finish for reduced friction. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to the typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a silky sensation with its lubricated factory application, the Sky V4 emphasizes a playful bounce with each keystroke, giving users a different tactile feel to explore.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It delivers a moderate sound profile and a smooth, creamy typing experience, perfect for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch stands out with its innovative POK material housing that provides a deeper, thocky sound signature and a bouncy typing feel for a rich and satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer their own unique qualities to enhance your typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch or the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother typing experience with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, then the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper sound signature and a bouncy typing feel that provides a spring-like feedback sensation, then the Sky V4 could be more suitable. Both switches offer their own unique strengths, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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