Gateron Mars vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches present two intriguing options, each with its own distinct advantages. The Gateron Mars, celebrated for its innovative design that incorporates a unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, delivers a smooth and responsive typing experience that is perfect for gamers and typists alike seeking precision and reliability. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its deeper sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the use of POK material in its top housing, creating a thocky and rich auditory experience that many users find satisfying and engaging. Whether you're drawn to the Mars for its straightforward performance or the Sky V4 for its tactile feedback and sound profile, each switch caters to specific 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

Gateron Mars Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Dareu Sky V4, one can observe both similarities and differences that significantly influence the switches' acoustic profiles and overall performance. The Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound effectively, thereby creating a rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Sky V4’s top housing is made of POK (polyketone), a material known for its impressive durability and smoothness, boasting a slightly higher coefficient of friction than LY plastics. The POK material contributes to a smooth, clacky sound profile that contrasts with the deeper tones produced by the nylon housing of the Mars. These differences in top housing material imply that while both switches may offer pleasing sound profiles, the overall experience will differ depending on the user's preference for either a fuller sound or a more pronounced clack.

Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals a different story, as the Gateron Mars employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which can produce a unique and deeper sound profile that is more muted. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which similarly provides a deep and full acoustic output. This similarity in bottom housing materials signifies that both switches could deliver comparable sound characteristics during the typing experience, although the nuances would arise from the interactions of the top housing types. In essence, while the Mars bottom housing contributes to a specific sound quality, the nylon in the Sky V4 would lead to a similar deep sound but might feel different due to the varying properties of the top housing.

Overall, the comparison between the Gateron Mars and Dareu Sky V4 suggests a hybrid approach to the interplay of materials in key switches. The distinct combinations of materials in both switches lead to unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. For instance, users favoring a more muted and deeper sound may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars for its nylon top and POM bottom combination, while those seeking a smooth and clacky experience might find the Dareu Sky V4 more appealing due to its POK top. With the bottom housing being a significant determinant of sound upon bottoming out, the differences in top housing material will also result in a noticeable difference in the acoustic signature upon release of the key. Ultimately, while both switches offer compelling acoustics, their different material choices create an individual typing experience that can appeal to various types of users.

Weight

The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar feel in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two. The Mars switch does not provide a specified bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown, while the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This means that the Sky V4 requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Mars switch. Consequently, the Gateron Mars switch can be considered lighter overall since its bottom out force remains unquantified and is presumably lower, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This equivalence in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide comparable tactile sensations and responsiveness, making them suitable for users who prefer a consistent feel across their mechanical keyboard. Since they have the same travel distance, one can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and actuation feel when using either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Gateron Mars and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches, both exhibit distinct characteristics. While there is no specific description for the sound of the Mars switch, users can expect it to be smooth, as many linear switches typically are. On the other hand, the Sky V4 presents a richer auditory experience with its thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep, satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" upon each key press. The low-pitched resonance of the Sky V4 adds a pleasant weight to the auditory feedback that typists find appealing. This pleasant acoustics can enhance the typing experience, especially when coupled with the right keyboard and keycap setup.

In terms of tactile feedback, the feel of the Gateron Mars switch remains unspecified, which leaves room for personal interpretation based on preferences. However, the Dareu Sky V4 is known for its bouncy feel, offering a spring-like sensation with each press. This lively response can provide an engaging experience, allowing for quick typing and enhancing overall performance. The bounciness can make it feel more dynamic during use, compared to potentially more muted linear switches, though the lack of detail regarding the Mars's tactile nature means definitive comparisons can't be made.

Ultimately, both the Gateron Mars and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Mars allows for smooth operation, the Sky V4 excels in both deep auditory satisfaction and a lively tactile feedback. If you're seeking a richer sound experience, the Sky V4 stands out due to its unique qualities, while those who appreciate a more generic linear experience may still find enjoyment with the Mars. Depending on your priorities—be it sound, feel, or a combination of both—either choice can lead to a satisfactory typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're drawn to a switch that offers a smooth, fluid typing experience and is innovative in design, the Gateron Mars, with its unique POK stem and combined Nylon-POM housing, might be the perfect choice for you. Although specific tactile feedback details aren't provided, the absence of a definitive bottom-out force suggests it would appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless key press. On the other hand, if you favor a medium-light feel with more substantial feedback, the Dareu Sky V4 could be more suited to your needs. The thocky sound and bouncy feedback of the Sky V4 enhance the overall typing experience, making it a great option for typists who appreciate a rich acoustic profile and a tactile rebound during use. Ultimately, your selection should align with what you find most enjoyable about typing, whether that’s the smoothness of the Mars or the satisfying depth and responsiveness of the Sky V4.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more