Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Sky V3 each offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM linear switch, is renowned for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a satisfying auditory experience alongside tactile comfort. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3, celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, strikes an ideal balance that appeals to a broad audience, including both casual users and dedicated professionals. While the Sea Salt Smoothie may attract those who prioritize the pronounced thock of their keystrokes, the versatile and subdued nature of the Sky V3 makes it an attractive option for those who value a more understated typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Sky V3 switches feature differing housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is recognized for producing a unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to that of switches made with other materials. In contrast, the Sky V3 employs a polycarbonate (PC) top housing, known for generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction is crucial for users who prioritize specific sound characteristics in their keyboard experiences. While both switches offer pleasing auditory feedback, the POM top of the Sea Salt Smoothie leans toward a more subdued tone, making it appealing for those who prefer a less intrusive sound profile during typing or gaming sessions.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the Sea Salt Smoothie again employs POM, which contributes to its overall muted sound, while the Sky V3 opts for nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a distinct contrast to the POM’s more refined quality. The difference in materials affects not only the sound but also the tactile experience of the switches. For instance, while the POM bottom of the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a pleasant cushioning effect when bottoming out, the nylon bottom of the Sky V3 imparts a rounder feedback that can feel more forgiving during prolonged use. This variation is essential for users to consider based on their preferences for the feel and sound resonance when typing or gaming.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch affects overall performance. The top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Although the Sea Salt Smoothie and Sky V3 use different materials, this bifurcation in how sounds are produced means that each switch can deliver a unique but complementary experience. If a user finds a hybrid of POM and nylon appealing, they might achieve a balanced auditory experience by switching between these two options, appreciating the contrasting characteristics of each one while still being able to enjoy the overall tactile feedback and sound profile they offer.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we find that their actuation forces differ, making them suitable for different preferences in feel and typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, heavier than the Sky V3's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that users may find the Sea Salt Smoothie to provide a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3, with its lower actuation force, may be favored by users looking for a lighter switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces; thus, we can't directly compare their performance when pressed all the way down. However, if the bottom out forces are similar, users may yield similar results in terms of tactile feedback when fully depressing the keys.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Sea Salt Smoothie featuring a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the Sky V3 measuring 4 mm. This means the Sky V3 offers a longer travel distance, which some users may find provides a more satisfying depth when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, making it potentially better for gaming or rapid inputs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; if you prioritize swift response times, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option, while the Dareu Sky V3 provides a more traditional, deeper typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by a "thocky" quality, which provides a rich, deep sound that many typists find satisfying. This auditory experience, combined with the switch's all-POM construction, emphasizes a more pleasant acoustic while typing. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a neutral sound signature that is both moderate and subdued. This means that while it doesn't produce the booming thock typical of some switches, its balanced and mild sound can be ideal for a range of environments, making it suitable for both home and office use without being overly distracting.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has not been explicitly described, but its reputation for smoothness suggests a relatively effortless actuation that would appeal to users wanting a pleasant tactile experience. This smoothness is key for long typing sessions where finger fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is described as having a mild feel. This means it offers a gentle typing experience, striking a balance that caters to typists who prefer a more relaxed response without the pronounced characteristics found in other switches. The Sky V3's approachability makes it an excellent option for both newcomers and seasoned users alike.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie excels with a distinctive thocky sound and smooth operation, the Dareu Sky V3 stands out for its neutral and subdued sound along with a mild feel that promotes comfort during use. For those seeking different auditory and tactile experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie will provide a more pronounced acoustic quality, whereas the Sky V3 offers a balanced experience that is approachable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, both switches will yield satisfactory results depending on your specific preferences and typing environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your best bet, particularly if you enjoy a slightly deeper acoustics in your keystrokes. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a premium typing experience without venturing into overly heavy or harsh sound signatures. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and versatility for both work and casual use, the Dareu Sky V3 offers a neutral and subdued sound that makes it a great choice. Its mild feel provides a gentle typing experience that caters well to a wide audience, making it ideal for long typing sessions, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned user. In essence, choose the Sea Salt Smoothie for a richer auditory experience and smooth keystrokes, while the Sky V3 will serve you better for a balanced, comfortable typing experience across various settings.
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