Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set each apart. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smooth and lighter typing feel, along with a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a comfortable and precise typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink leans towards being clacky and high-pitched, the Sky V3 is more neutral and subdued in comparison. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Pink features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying thin and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, especially enhanced with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material. While both switches provide unique sound qualities, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Dareu Sky V3 ultimately depends on the desired pitch and feel during typing.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Dareu Sky V3 allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for those who prioritize aesthetics. Meanwhile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink's INK blend top and bottom housing may not offer the same level of visual customization but delivers a distinct clacky sound profile that some users may prefer. Additionally, the usage of nylon in the Sky V3's bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the thinner and higher-pitched sound of the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, while both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Dareu Sky V3 have their unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate housing or a clacky sound with INK blend housing, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct characteristics. Ultimately, users can experiment with different housing materials to find the perfect balance of sound and feel for their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of initial key press. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. This means that the Ink Box Pink requires a bit more force to fully press down the key compared to the Sky V3. Overall, the Ink Box Pink provides a more consistent typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, while the exact feel of the Sky V3's bottom out force remains a mystery. Depending on personal preference, some may find the lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 more comfortable for extended use, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Ink Box Pink for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Dareu Sky V3 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The difference of 0.4mm may not seem like much, but it can impact the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Gateron Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dareu Sky V3. Both switches offer their own unique experience, and ultimately the choice between them comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky typing experience, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Ink Box Pink offering a more distinct and vibrant sound while the Sky V3 provides a more subtle and versatile option.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel. This translates to minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a milder typing experience, catering to a wider range of users with its gentle and approachable qualities. Both switches provide comfortable typing experiences, with the Ink Box Pink leaning towards a smoother and more polished feel compared to the more mild and safe feel of the Sky V3.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, catering to various preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound along with a silky and polished feel, the Sky V3 offers a more neutral and subdued sound with a mild and approachable typing experience. Depending on whether one prioritizes sound or feel in their typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired outcome. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver satisfying results for users seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and typing force. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature and a medium-light typing force that offers a more subdued typing experience, the Sky V3 could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences and how you prioritize aspects such as sound, feel, and typing force in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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