Gateron Luciola vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and the Dareu Sky V3 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark design and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Known for its distinctive sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken, the Luciola switch is categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a popular choice with a balanced feel for various typing preferences. Categorized as neutral and subdued, the Sky V3 offers both comfort and precision, appealing to enthusiasts and professionals alike. When choosing between these switches, consider whether you prefer a unique visual feature and a bouncy typing feel with the Luciola, or a neutral sound signature and balanced typing experience with the Sky V3. However, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and Dareu Sky V3 switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Luciola uses a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Sky V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the Luciola's INK blend top and bottom housing provide a more consistent and cohesive sound experience compared to the split qualities of the Sky V3's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing.

Aesthetically, the use of different housing materials in the Luciola and Sky V3 switches also sets them apart. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Sky V3 allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Luciola's INK blend housing does not offer the same level of aesthetic customization with lighting effects. However, the consistency in sound provided by the INK blend material may appeal to users seeking a specific sound experience without the distraction of RGB lighting.

When it comes to feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience of a switch. The nylon bottom housing in the Sky V3 creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to its overall thin and clacky sound, adding to the overall tactile feedback of the switch. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the materials used in their bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the feel of typing on each switch.

Weight

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams while the Sky V3's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Luciola switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Sky V3 may be the better option with its lower actuation force. In terms of weight, the Luciola is on the heavier side, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Sky V3 is lighter and may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we can see that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky V3 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Luciola is ideal for those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel when typing or gaming, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is better suited for individuals who enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press, as its longer travel distance provides a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best known for its clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound with a unique squeak, giving them a distinct auditory signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound, offering a more moderate and dampened typing experience. Depending on personal preference and setup, the Luciola switches will provide a more lively and percussive typing sound, while the Sky V3 switches will offer a quieter and more subtle sound.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy and buttery typing experience. These switches are responsive and smooth, providing a bouncy and fluid keystroke feel. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild typing experience, characterized by a more gentle and approachable feel. With a safe middle-ground zone in terms of key feel, the Sky V3 switches strike a balance between comfort and precision. Depending on individual typing preferences, the Luciola switches will give a more vibrant and polished typing sensation, while the Sky V3 switches will deliver a more mild and consistent typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Luciola switches provide a clacky and snappy typing sound with a buttery and polished feel, the Sky V3 switches offer a neutral and subdued sound with a mild and gentle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a customized mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you prefer a more lively and responsive typing feel with a distinct auditory profile or a softer and more subdued typing experience, both the Gateron Luciola and Dareu Sky V3 switches will provide quality results based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, your decision will ultimately come down to your preferences in terms of aesthetics, typing feel, and sound profile. If you are looking for a switch that stands out visually with its glowing feature, has a medium heft, and offers a clacky or chirpy sound profile along with a snappy or buttery typing feel, then the Gateron Luciola switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature, a medium-light weight switch with a subdued sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the Dareu Sky V3 switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider these factors carefully to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more