Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for its low-pitched and polished feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience with a subdued and mild feel. While both switches have their merits, each caters to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both housings aim to enhance sound quality, the INK blend top housing focuses on a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a clearer and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both materials are designed to optimize the sound experience for mechanical keyboard users, with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility for the polycarbonate housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches showcase distinct characteristics that affect the overall sound and feel of typing. The INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Black V2 contributes to a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, complementing the top housing for a cohesive typing experience. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Sky V3 offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. Despite their differences, both bottom housings aim to enhance the tactile feedback and acoustics of the switch, catering to different preferences in sound characteristics.
In summary, the choice of housing materials for mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Dareu Sky V3 utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, each material brings unique qualities to the switch's overall performance. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deep and full sound of nylon, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through the careful selection of housing materials. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback, albeit with slight variations in sound characteristics due to the differences in housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch differ significantly. The Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier forces of the Ink Black V2 for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter typing experience may favor the Sky V3, while those seeking a heavier touch may lean towards the Ink Black V2.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when typing on a keyboard with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent tactile feel as the keys are pressed down. The identical travel distance ensures that the typing experience will be similar across both switches, making it easier for users to switch between different keyboards without noticing a significant difference in keypress depth. Overall, while the travel distance of these switches is the same, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer a reliable typing experience with consistent keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences without being overly loud or distracting. Depending on personal preference, the Ink Black V2 may offer a deeper and richer sound experience, while the Sky V3 provides a more moderate and understated typing sound.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Dareu Sky V3 switches are described as offering a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable for most users. The Ink Black V2 switch is further highlighted for its polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. On the other hand, while the specific feel characteristics of the Sky V3 are not explicitly mentioned, its mild nature suggests a comfortable and balanced typing experience without extreme tactile feedback or resistance.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches, it's clear that they offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a low-pitched, bassy sound and a polished, smooth feel, the Ink Black V2 may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a more neutral and subdued sound with a mild typing experience, the Sky V3 switch could offer a comfortable and versatile option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force and a neutral, subdued sound profile, along with a mild typing experience, then the Dareu Sky V3 might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your daily use.
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