Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Dareu Sky V4 are two options worth considering. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a unique typing experience with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound that pairs well with its smooth linear action. While the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Sky V4 is described as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V4 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a thin and clacky sound profile, while the POK top housing of the Sky V4 offers a smooth and durable experience. In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Black's proprietary blend maintains the clacky sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different sound profiles.
In terms of durability, the Dareu Sky V4's POK material stands out with its exceptional strength and wear resistance, surpassing materials like POM and Nylon. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black's INK blend provides a satisfying clacky sound profile, catering to users who prefer a higher-pitched sound. While the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound profile, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black maintains the clacky sound that enthusiasts have come to appreciate.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V4 will come down to personal preference. While the Ink Box Black offers a distinct clacky sound profile with its proprietary INK blend, the Sky V4 provides a smooth and durable typing experience with its POK material. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Sky V4 is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. While the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, the Sky V4 offers a lighter touch that may be preferable for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ink Box Black offering a heavier push feel and the Sky V4 providing a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches offer the same key press feel in terms of distance traveled from top to bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and smooth linear typing experience with equal travel distances. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Box Black or the Dareu Sky V4, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and travel distance.
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 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 Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling a sharp and snappy noise similar to a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch produces a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. The choice between the two switches will largely depend on personal preference, as the Ink Box Black offers a more sharp and crisp sound, while the Sky V4 delivers a deep and bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is renowned for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, giving users a lively and rebounding feel when typing. Depending on individual preferences, typists may prefer the smooth and polished feel of the Ink Box Black or the bouncy and elastic feedback of the Sky V4 for a more dynamic typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ink Box Black excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, the Sky V4 stands out for its thocky and low-pitched sound with a bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound and smoother feel or a deeper tone and bouncier feedback, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your typing experience. Choosing between the two will depend on your specific sound and feel preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience no matter which switch you decide to go with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, then the Ink Box Black may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy typing feel, then the Sky V4 switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two exceptional linear switches.
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