Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Lunar Probe is praised for its novel dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. This linear switch provides an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a popular choice among typing enthusiasts. It offers a balance of comfort and precision, appealing to a wide range of users. While both switches have their own merits, it's important to dive deeper into their specific qualities to determine which one suits your needs best.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Sky V3, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Lunar Probe utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.

In terms of construction, the Lunar Probe benefits from the differing properties of polycarbonate and nylon in its housing materials. The top housing made of polycarbonate enhances the sound when a key is released, creating a distinct auditory experience for the user. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, giving a unique typing sensation. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V3 also features a polycarbonate top housing but maintains consistency with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile and rounded feel during use.

Overall, while both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the typing experience with its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience to the Lunar Probe but maintains a consistent sound profile throughout, creating a more cohesive typing feel for the user.

Weight

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lunar Probe requires 50 grams, while the Sky V3's bottom out force is unknown. The Lunar Probe offers a more consistent typing experience with a light actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a gentler touch when typing for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lunar Probe provides a shorter distance, making it suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Sky V3 being slightly longer than the Lunar Probe, but overall, both options provide a satisfactory travel distance for different preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a subtle and smooth sound signature due to its pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing preferences, offering a moderate sound level that is not overly pronounced. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant auditory experience while typing, with the Lunar Probe offering a more subdued sound and the Sky V3 providing a neutral sound that caters to a wide range of users.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism that ensures a smooth typing experience. The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, on the other hand, is described as offering a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, making it approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their respective characteristics, with the Lunar Probe focusing on stability and smoothness, while the Sky V3 emphasizes a gentle feel that suits a wide range of users.

Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. While the Lunar Probe provides a more subdued sound and stable keypresses, the Sky V3 offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, ensuring that they will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preference for a light bottom out force and a stable keypress experience which the Lunar Probe provides. The Lunar Probe is also known for its smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and a balance between comfort and precision, the Dareu Sky V3 may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your own typing preferences and whether you value aspects such as sound, feel, and keypress stability. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features and advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more