Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a hint of bassy goodness. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a comfortable and precise typing feel that appeals to a diverse range of users. While the Oil King exudes a sense of creaminess and silkiness, the Sky V3 is more subdued and mild in comparison. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique housing materials that play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which creates a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. While the Oil King provides a rounder sound, the Sky V3 delivers a crisper sound, showcasing the impact that housing material choice can have on the typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Oil King's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing material. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the materials used for the bottom housing, with the Oil King delivering a thinner and higher-pitched sound, while the Sky V3 offers a rounder and duller sound due to the softer nature of nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Sky V3 impacts not only the sound profile but also the feel of typing on these switches. While the Oil King's nylon top and INK blend bottom housing create a distinct sound profile that is deeper and clacky, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and clearer sound experience. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, both provide a unique typing experience that showcases the importance of material selection in creating a customized and satisfying typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Oil King has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sky V3's lighter 40 grams. This means that the Oil King requires more pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Additionally, the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. This difference can impact the typing experience, as a heavier bottom out force can prevent accidental key presses while typing quickly. Ultimately, the Oil King is on the heavier side in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience, while the Sky V3 offers a lighter actuation force, which may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on the keys of either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This standardized travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience with both switches. However, it is worth noting that the travel distance of these switches may feel different due to factors such as actuation force and overall key feel. Despite this, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either the Gateron Oil King or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. This distinctive sound quality creates a satisfying auditory experience, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for various typing preferences without being overly loud or disruptive. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasant sound experience, with the Oil King leaning towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Sky V3's more moderate and subtle sound signature.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. The smooth and buttery sensation of the Oil King switch allows for effortless keystrokes, as fingers glide across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is characterized by a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that caters to a wide range of users. While the Oil King provides a luxurious and refined typing feel with its creamy and silky attributes, the Sky V3 ensures a comfortable and approachable typing experience with its mild characteristics.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out for its buttery smoothness, low-pitched sound, and rich bassy tones, providing a premium typing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, making it a versatile choice suitable for different typing preferences. While each switch has its own unique qualities, both the Oil King and Sky V3 switches excel in delivering a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve similar levels of comfort and precision with either option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience, then the Gateron Oil King switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and enjoy a neutral, subdued sound with a mild typing experience, then the Dareu Sky V3 switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style, so choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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