Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer their own unique features and advantages. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, with its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback making it perfect for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action that provides a rich and satisfying typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities, each catering to different preferences and needs, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and particular requirements. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
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
Both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Dareu Sky V4 use unique and high-quality housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing provide a thin and higher-pitched clacky sound profile, while the Sky V4's POK top and nylon bottom housing offer a smooth, clacky, and durable switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience, the Silent Ink Black focuses more on the higher-pitched sound, while the Sky V4 offers a more balanced sound profile with its combination of POK and nylon materials.
In terms of durability, the Dareu Sky V4 seems to have an advantage with its POK top housing being exceptionally strong and wear-resistant, surpassing materials like POM and nylon. Additionally, the Sky V4's shock resistance is also impressive, surpassing Nylon by 2.3 times and POM by 1.4 times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing, while still durable, is mainly focused on providing a satisfying clacky sound profile with its pointed and higher-pitched characteristics. Overall, the Sky V4 seems to prioritize durability and longevity, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes sound quality and typing feel.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Dareu Sky V4 have their distinct qualities and characteristics, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Silent Ink Black's INK blend and the Sky V4's POK and nylon materials each contribute to creating unique sound profiles and typing feels. Whether you prefer a thinner and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a range of qualities that cater to different preferences. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed with the user's typing experience in mind, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. The Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier touch, which some users may prefer for added feedback and tactile response. On the other hand, the Sky V4 provides a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain on the fingers. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Silent Ink Black being heavier and the Sky V4 being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we can see that the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Ink Black being closer to the standard 4 mm mark. Gamers may prefer the Sky V4 for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, perfect for environments where quiet typing is essential. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When it comes to feel, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback.
Ultimately, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches, it's clear that they provide different sound and feel experiences. Choosing between them will depend on personal preference for sound (muted versus deep thocky) and feel (silky and polished versus bouncy). However, both switches offer a smooth linear action, making them suitable choices for those looking for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you require a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black is a great choice with its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action, the Sky V4 with its POK material top housing may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
