Gateron Quinn vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V4 stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Quinn is a tactile switch that is praised for its crisp and light tactility, combined with a deep and resonant sound profile attributed to its specially designed nylon housings. On the other hand, the Sky V4 is a linear switch known for its smooth action and innovative POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature. While the Quinn offers a unique typing experience with its tactile bump and rich sound, the Sky V4 provides a satisfying typing experience with its smooth action and deep sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V4, one key difference is in the material used for the top housing. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sky V4 utilizes POK material for the top housing, providing a smooth and clacky typing experience while boasting exceptional durability and wear resistance. While both materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound of the switches, the POK material in the Sky V4 offers additional benefits in terms of smoothness and longevity.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Quinn and the Sky V4 use nylon material, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic suggests that despite the differences in the top housing material, the overall typing experience in terms of sound may be quite similar between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound, showcasing the reliability and effectiveness of nylon as a classic switch housing material.
While the top housing material may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. With the Quinn's nylon bottom housing and the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a reliable and consistent typing experience that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Gateron Quinn and the Dareu Sky V4 highlight unique characteristics that may cater to individual preferences in terms of sound, smoothness, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Quinn is the heavier of the two switches. The Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. This means that the Quinn requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Sky V4. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sky V4, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Quinn. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. However, the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sky V4, which may offer a slightly quicker key press. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press may opt for the Sky V4 with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 V4 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 V4 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as having a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile. This means that users can expect a deep and rich sound with a sharp and percussive quality, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is noted for its thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound characteristics. Typists can enjoy a deep and satisfying sound with a moderate profile that suits various purposes. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Quinn switch leans towards a more resonant and percussive experience, while the Sky V4 switch provides a deep and satisfying thud-like sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a range of sensations including snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. Users can expect a responsive, smooth, elastic, and tactile typing experience with a seamless and uniform sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is mainly described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. While the Quinn switch offers a more diverse range of tactile experiences, the Sky V4 switch focuses on providing a lively and responsive typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switch provides a unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound, while the Sky V4 switch stands out for its innovative use of materials and smooth linear action. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Quinn switch offering a more percussive and tactile experience, and the Sky V4 switch delivering a deep and springy typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a crisp, tactile bump with a rich, resonant sound, the Quinn may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear action with a deep, satisfying sound profile, the Sky V4 could be the ideal choice. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a bottom out force of 67 grams, opt for the Quinn, while if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, the Sky V4 may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal typing style and the type of sound and feel you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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