Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Dareu Sky V4 both stand out as exemplary options for linear switch enthusiasts, but they each deliver unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, recognized for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, boasts a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a solid, tactile response during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 enhances the typing experience with its innovative POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that not only complements its smooth linear action but also provides a rich auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing experience, the Sky V4 caters to those who appreciate a more thocky sound profile and a neutral touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Dareu Sky V4, it's important to note their differences in the top housing. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which produces a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. In contrast, the Sky V4 utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability—offering a clacky sound that is a result of its lower friction coefficient. While both materials are designed to provide longevity and resilience, the choice of POK in the Sky V4 reveals a focus on enhancing tactile feedback and overall performance without sacrificing the sound quality that nylon provides.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which underscores the universality of nylon as a classic switch housing material. This consistency contributes to a uniform sound profile, characterized by the same deep and rounded acoustics regardless of the differing top housings. As a result, when a user presses down on either switch, the bottom housing's properties govern the sound and feedback experienced during the bottom-out phase. This shared characteristic allows for similarities in sound absorption and feel between the two switches despite their different top housing materials.
Moreover, when pressing and releasing the keys, the impact of each housing material diverges, illustrating how the combination of materials affects the overall experience of the switch. The nylon bottom housing's qualities dominate the bottom-out feel, creating a soft landing for the fingers, while the contrasting top housing materials dictate the sound during release. Consequently, users can expect a unique auditory experience from the two switches while enjoying a similar tactile response thanks to the nylon bottom housing. Thus, while the switches may differ in the sound output due to their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users benefit from a comparable feel and performance throughout their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, notable differences exist in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow features a relatively higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sky V4 is lighter at 45 grams. This difference means that the Sky V4 may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for potentially more comfortable and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Glory Yellow could appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Regarding the bottom out force, the Glory Yellow does not have this measurement specified, while the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This reveals that even though the Sky V4 provides a lighter actuation force, it may offer a firmer resistance when bottoming out, contrasting with the Glory Yellow, for which the bottom out experience remains unclear. Overall, the Sky V4 presents a lighter and more accessible option, whereas the Glory Yellow delivers a heavier push feel, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Glory Yellow the deeper option, offering a more pronounced feeling when pressed, which may appeal to those who appreciate a satisfying, hearty depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Sky V4’s shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, resulting in a more immediate feedback upon actuation. For users seeking rapid performance, the Sky V4 may be the preferred choice, while those who lean towards a more traditional typing experience might enjoy the depth of the Glory Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow for $4.19.
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 Glory Yellow linear switch tends to deliver a sound profile that is smooth and relatively muted, providing a pleasant auditory experience that is non-disruptive. This makes it suitable for a range of settings, whether at home or in an office environment. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch boasts a thocky sound that produces a deep, rich auditory feedback characterized by a satisfying thud when a key is pressed and released. Additionally, it has a low-pitched tone that complements its other qualities, making it resonate more during typing. Therefore, while both switches offer enjoyable sound experiences, the Sky V4 is more prominent and bass-heavy, while the Glory Yellow is designed for more subtlety.
Regarding the feel, the Glory Yellow switch is known for its smooth keystroke, providing an enjoyable and consistent experience throughout the key travel. The longer travel distance enhances this smooth feeling, making it appealing for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch, while also linear in nature, benefits from the innovative POK material utilized in its construction. This material may contribute to a different tactile sensation, potentially offering unique feedback during key presses, though specific assessments of the feel for the Sky V4 are less detailed, making a direct comparison ambiguous.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches cater to typists seeking smoothness and satisfaction, albeit in different ways. The Glory Yellow excels in delivering a discreet and pleasant sound, complementing its smooth key feel. In contrast, the Sky V4 offers a richer, deeper sound signature along with the potential for a unique tactile experience due to its POK material. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your preference for sound and the specific feel you desire, as both switches can deliver favorable outcomes in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, you'll want to consider the specific qualities and experiences each switch offers. If you prefer a smooth keystroke and enjoy a typing experience that prioritizes pleasant travel distance, the Glory Yellow might be your go-to option. Its unknown bottom-out force suggests it could cater to a wide range of typing styles, making it ideal for long typing sessions or if you're someone who dislikes tactile feedback. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a deeper sound and appreciate a switch with a moderate actuation force, the Sky V4 will likely suit you better. Its innovative use of POK material results in a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who type both for work and leisure. In essence, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize smooth and possibly lighter or satisfying sound characteristics with a firm feel, or if you desire a more textured auditory experience coupled with a mid-range actuation force. Both options bring their unique charm to the table, so consider your typing style and sound preferences as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
