Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have unique qualities that make them appealing to different types of users. The Ink Box Black is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It falls under categories such as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are known for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balance between comfort and precision. They are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild', making them popular among enthusiasts and professionals. When deciding between these two switches, it's important to consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, both contributing to a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. This creates a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which adds a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the typing experience. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
On the other hand, while the Gateron Ink Box Black uses the same proprietary INK blend material for both the top and bottom housing, the Dareu Sky V3 incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material contributes to a different typing experience between the two switches, with the Ink Box Black being more clacky and the Sky V3 offering a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V3 plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches offer unique characteristics such as a high-pitched sound in the Gateron switch and a fuller sound in the Dareu switch, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, fuller sound with a classic nylon bottom housing, each switch offers its own distinct qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Gateron Ink Box Black 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 Dareu Sky V3 has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 would be the preferable choice, as the lower actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and pressure.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we can see that the Ink Box Black has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky V3 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black, while those seeking a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sky V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, catering to a wide range of preferences. Both switches will provide a different auditory experience to the user, with the Ink Box Black offering a sharper sound compared to the more dampened sound of the Sky V3. Ultimately, the choice of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a mild typing experience, gentle on the fingers and approachable to most users. While the Ink Box Black provides a refined and sleek typing feel, the Sky V3 offers a safe middle-ground option in terms of tactile feedback. The decision between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a more pronounced smoothness or a gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel, while the Sky V3 offers a neutral, subdued sound with a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Whether opting for the sharpness of the Ink Box Black or the neutrality of the Sky V3, users can expect quality performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your preferred bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black might be the better 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 that offers a mild typing experience, the Sky V3 could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what feels best for you.
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