Gateron Glory Red vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Sky V4 offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Glory Red, lighter in its lineup, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer quick, effortless typing and gaming sessions without any tactile resistance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its innovative POK material in the top housing, producing a deeper sound signature that enhances the tactile experience with a rich, satisfying thock sound, perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback alongside a smooth linear action. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their tonal and tactile nuances provide different sensations and performances, appealing to varying user priorities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Sky V4 switches, a notable difference emerges in their top housing composition. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon housing, a classic material celebrated for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. While still allowing for smooth actuation, POK lends a slightly different character to the sound profile. The inherent properties of POK—a higher coefficient of friction and enhanced durability—result in a smoother and clacky sound, though it may not absorb sound to the same extent as nylon, presenting a sharper auditory feedback.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is also made from nylon. This uniformity in material lends cohesion to the auditory performance and tactile feedback of both switches when bottoming out. As with the top housing, nylon’s softer properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon key press, leading to a similar typing experience when it comes to the sound produced at the point of bottoming out. The nylon bottom housings in both switches reinforce that deeper acoustic signature, making the audible experience comparable when pressed down despite the differing materials above.

Ultimately, the impact of the varying top housing materials offers a nuanced typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red's nylon top housing invites a muted performance, focusing on sound absorption, while the Dareu Sky V4’s POK material delivers a crisp, smooth response. This contrast means that, when typing, you will experience the characteristics of the bottom housing equally in both switches, creating a balance between the effects of sound absorption from nylon and the sharpness introduced by POK. When utilizing switches of both designs, you will enjoy a harmonious blend of sound profiles that can be appreciated for different reasons, illustrating how differing materials can create unique yet complementary user experiences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it's notable that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar level of resistance required to register a keystroke. However, the significant difference lies in their bottom out forces: while the Glory Red's bottom out force is unavailable, the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Sky V4 switch requires more force to fully depress, making it a heavier option compared to the Glory Red. For users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Glory Red may be more suitable due to its lack of specified bottom out force, suggesting it may not provide as much resistance when bottoming out compared to the Sky V4. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter choice, while the Dareu Sky V4 presents a heavier feel, appealing to those who favor a more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This identical measurement means that users will experience similar keypress effects when using either switch, resulting in a comparable typing feel. Since both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, you can expect a similar response and satisfaction from both options, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with consistent travel distance characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is generally known for its smooth operation, but specific descriptors like sound profile are not clearly defined. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a rich auditory experience characterized by a thocky sound, which produces a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. This low-pitched quality enhances the experience, making each keystroke feel more substantial. The combination of its thocky nature and low-pitched tone means the Sky V4 is likely to appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their keystrokes, while the Glory Red might blend into a quieter or more subdued setting.

In terms of feel, the Glory Red switch is recognized for its lightweight operation and smooth keystroke; however, the finer points of its tactile response remain undefined. In contrast, the Sky V4 is known for its bouncy feel, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation with each press. This bounciness enhances the overall typing experience, creating a sense of rebound that can make typing feel more responsive and enjoyable. While the Glory Red will offer a smooth linear feel, the added bounciness of the Sky V4 may provide a different level of engagement that some typists might find preferable.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch offers a smooth typing experience with an unknown sound profile, the Dareu Sky V4 switch distinguishes itself with a deep, thocky sound and a bouncy feel that adds liveliness to typing. If you're looking for a minimalist and smoother experience, the Glory Red could be the choice for you, whereas the Sky V4 might cater to those who prefer a richer auditory experience along with a more dynamic tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, each providing its unique attributes for a tailored typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth travel distance that makes typing a breeze, the Glory Red switch would be your best choice. It's particularly suited for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions or enjoy a fast-paced gaming experience without the strain of heavier actuation forces. On the other hand, if you appreciate a satisfactory auditory feedback and a bouncy feel, the Sky V4 switch might be more appealing. Its unique POK material construction provides a richer sound signature, while the 55-gram actuation force offers a more engaging tactile experience. This can be especially beneficial if you enjoy a blend of typing and gaming and prefer a switch that feels lively under your fingers. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired balance between sound profile, actuation force, and overall feel to enhance your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more