Gateron Quinn vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Quinn switch is praised for its crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, making each keystroke a rich and immersive experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience for a wide range of users. While the Quinn switch offers a more tactile and characterful typing experience, the Sky V3 switch provides a subtler and more neutral 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V3 lies in their top housing material. The Quinn's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound profile for the Sky V3 compared to the duller and rounder sound of the Quinn.
Both the Quinn and the Sky V3 share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile in typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound for both the Quinn and the Sky V3. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V3 will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The Quinn's combination of nylon top and bottom housing creates a consistent deep and full sound, while the Sky V3 offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Whether you prefer a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, resonant sound will dictate which switch is the best fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help you make an informed decision when selecting between these two switches.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch is heavier than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Quinn requires 59 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In comparison, the Sky V3 only needs 40 grams of force to actuate, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V3, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Quinn may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Quinn offers a quicker keypress thanks to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers in need of faster response times. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a more profound keystroke due to its longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more tactile feel. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Quinn being the shorter option and the Sky V3 being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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.
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 Quinn tactile switch is known for its bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound signature, offering a more moderate and dampened sound when pressed. The Quinn switch will give a more immersive and lively typing experience with its crisp and resonant sound, while the Sky V3 switch provides a subtle and gentle sound suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant and rich sound (Quinn) or a balanced and subdued sound (Sky V3).
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and refined finish, with a responsive and lively feel that enhances the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as providing a mild and gentle typing experience, offering a more approachable feel for most users with its safe middle-ground characteristics. The Quinn switch will give a more tactile and buttery typing experience, while the Sky V3 switch provides a gentler and more subtle feel ideal for comfortable and precise typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switch provides a deep, resonant sound profile and a snappy, polished feel, while the Sky V3 switch offers a neutral and subdued sound with a mild typing experience. Depending on your preference for a rich and immersive typing experience (Quinn) or a balanced and comfortable typing feel (Sky V3), you can select the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences. Both switches offer high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Quinn tactile switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should factor in your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a crisp, tactile bump with a resonant and clacky sound profile, the Quinn switches may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and a neutral, subdued sound profile that is suitable for various typing preferences, the Sky V3 switches might be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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