Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lunar Probe is praised for its stable and consistent keypresses thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism, providing an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. While the Lunar Probe is best for those seeking a subtle sound signature, the Sky V4 appeals to typists looking for a rich and satisfying typing experience with a thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Sky V4, we can see that they both use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, which boasts smoothness and durability with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY. While the Lunar Probe focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound, the Sky V4 emphasizes smoothness and longevity in its switches.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Lunar Probe and the Sky V4 opt for nylon. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience for users. Despite utilizing the same material for their bottom housings, each switch model incorporates distinct characteristics that cater to different sound preferences, further highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in switch design.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Lunar Probe and the Sky V4 showcases the variety and versatility available in the mechanical keyboard market. While the Lunar Probe focuses on creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the Sky V4 emphasizes smoothness and durability with its POK top housing. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, highlighting the classic and reliable nature of this material in switch design. Whether opting for the Lunar Probe or the Sky V4, users can expect a unique typing experience tailored to their sound preferences based on the distinctive qualities of each housing material.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Sky V4, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This slight difference may not be noticeable to all users, but some may prefer the lighter feel of the Lunar Probe for extended typing or gaming sessions. The actuation force of a switch is important for triggering keystrokes quickly and efficiently, while the bottom out force measures the resistance when pressing all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of key travel. This consistency in travel distance allows for a similar typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Overall, both switches offer the same tactile feedback and key travel distance, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its subtle and smooth sound signature, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a deeper and more rich sound experience. The Lunar Probe switch provides a quieter typing experience, emphasizing the smooth linear action it offers, while the Sky V4 switch produces a satisfying "thocky" sound due to the use of POK material in its top housing. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is recognized for its smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, without further descriptors provided. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as being bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives users a sense of rebound when pressed. The Lunar Probe switch's keypresses are stable and consistent due to its dual rail mechanism, while the Sky V4 switch offers a lively feel with its elastic feedback.

In conclusion, the Gateron Lunar Probe and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches showcase unique qualities in both sound and feel. While the Lunar Probe switch is praised for its stable keypresses and smooth linear sensation, the Sky V4 switch stands out for its deep and rich "thocky" sound and bouncy feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that can cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. With either switch, users can expect a high level of quality and performance that align with their individual preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter force of 50 grams, opt for the Lunar Probe; if you prefer a slightly heavier force of 55 grams, go for the Sky V4. Additionally, if you value stability and consistency in keypresses with a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, the Lunar Probe is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a satisfying typing experience with a unique POK material top housing, the Sky V4 is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more