Gateron Glory Red vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Sky V3, both linear switches. The Gateron Glory Red switch is celebrated for its lighter feel, smooth keystroke, and pleasant travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a feather-light touch and a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, appealing to a broad audience with its balance of comfort and precision. This versatility makes it a favored choice among both enthusiasts and professionals. While both switches offer unique advantages—whether you prefer the lightweight feel of the Glory Red or the balanced feedback of the Sky V3—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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Sky V3, one stark difference is immediately apparent in the top housing. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This allows the switch to absorb more sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more resonant and clear sound profile, making it particularly effective for users who enjoy the fuller expression of RGB lighting since polycarbonate is typically more translucent.
Both switches share one key similarity in their bottom housing; both the Gateron Glory Red and Dareu Sky V3 utilize nylon for this component. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to the switches' overall sound profile by offering a deeper and rounder auditory signature, which helps to balance out the crisper notes produced by the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing. As a result, despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches will deliver a similarly rich typing experience at the bottom-out point, making them suitable for users seeking that satisfying tactile feedback without sacrificing sound quality.
Ultimately, the experience while typing on either switch will also be influenced by the interaction between the different housing materials. The Gateron Glory Red provides a consistent, fuller sound through both housings, while the Dareu Sky V3 offers a unique layering of sound profiles due to the dichotomy between its nylon bottom and polycarbonate top. Users can benefit from the satisfying depth of sound when bottoming out while enjoying the clarity and articulation of sound when releasing the keys on the Sky V3. This combination of materials can lead to a diverse auditory experience overall, showcasing the strengths of both switches in different facets of typing, thus allowing each to shine in unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Sky V3, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that users who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Sky V3, as its lower actuation force can contribute to less finger fatigue. On the other hand, those who appreciate a firmer push feel may prefer the Glory Red due to its heavier actuation force. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so we cannot make direct comparisons there; however, this lack of data does not diminish their usability. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter typing experience should opt for the Dareu Sky V3, while those seeking a more substantial feel may find the Gateron Glory Red more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Gateron Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, which might appeal to those who prioritize fast response times, such as gamers who enjoy rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a more substantial travel distance that could be favorable for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a quicker response or a more engaged typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Red switch remains unspecified; hence, it's difficult to provide a direct comparison on that front. However, the Dareu Sky V3 is recognized for its neutral sound signature, which offers a moderate actuation force and a sound profile that is well-suited for various typing environments—be it for home or office use. The subdued characteristics of the Sky V3 mean that the sound produced is not overly loud or intrusive, making it a great option for users who want to keep a low noise level while typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Glory Red’s tactile qualities are not described in detail here, leaving it unknown how it directly compares. Nevertheless, the Sky V3 is noted for its mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that caters to a broad audience. This balance makes it easy for both beginners and seasoned typists to enjoy extended use without discomfort. The mild nature ensures that both sound and feel are kept approachable and manageable, which is ideal for everyday typing situations.
Overall, while the sound quality of the Gateron Glory Red switch is uncharted, the Dareu Sky V3 stands out with its neutral and subdued auditory feedback. On the feeling side, while we lack specifics for the Glory Red, the Sky V3 offers a gentle typing experience that many find comfortable. If you prefer a smooth keystroke and are particularly sensitive to sound, both switches may yield satisfactory results, albeit the Sky V3’s blend of characteristics can cater to a broader set of user preferences efficiently. Ultimately, your choice may depend on specific tactile and sound qualities that align with your typing habits and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you're looking for a switch that provides a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red may be a great fit for you, particularly if you prioritize a relaxed typing experience and enjoy a satisfying travel distance; however, you might find the absence of detailed specifications, such as bottom-out force, a slight concern if you prefer more precise data for your decision-making. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced switch that offers both comfort and precision, especially in environments where you might share your space with others, the Dareu Sky V3 would be suitable, thanks to its neutral sound profile and mild feedback, making it versatile enough for both casual and professional settings. Ultimately, you need to consider whether you value an ultra-smooth feel or a mild experience that caters well to various typing styles; both switches have their merits and can significantly enhance your keyboard experience depending on your needs.