Dareu Sky V3 vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options are the Dareu Sky V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, each offering distinct benefits for different typing preferences. The Sky V3 is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a smooth, linear feel with a balance of comfort and precision, suitable for both casual and professional settings. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB presents a tactile experience with its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, along with a sharp tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience while maintaining a quieter operation. With its muted and bassy characteristics, the U4Tx is ideal for those who prefer tactile feedback without the distraction of loud keystrokes. Each switch caters to different needs—if you favor a smooth and uninterrupted typing flow, the Sky V3 might be your best pick, whereas if you value a pronounced tactile response and a refined auditory experience, the U4Tx could be more suitable. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, notable differences emerge between their top housings. The Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiff plastic allows for more clarity and resonance, making it particularly beneficial for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing that is softer and designed to deliver a rich, deeper sound profile. This divergence in material choice creates distinct musical characteristics when typing, as the polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the Gazzew blend favors warmth and richness.
The bottom housings of the two switches further highlight their contrasting sound profiles, even though both materials aim to enhance the auditory and tactile experience during use. The Sky V3 employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer properties that absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper auditory experience. This specifically influences the bottom-out sound when pressed, promoting a doller and rounder sound. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB also adopts a proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, maintaining a cohesive approach to deliver a similarly rich and deep sound. Both switches use softer materials for their bottoms, but the outcome sonically varies depending on the specific texture and resonance of each proprietary blend.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Sky V3 and Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they can produce comparable results in terms of sound experience thanks to the intentional design of each. The Sky V3’s polycarbonate top may lead to brightness and clarity, while its nylon bottom balances that with a warm depth. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB, through the use of its proprietary Gazzew blend in both top and bottom, optimally focuses on a rich and deep sound signature. This design difference illustrates how varying materials across the housing can either complement or contrast one another, creating diverse auditory experiences while still allowing for similar outcomes in terms of overall sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in typing feel and force. The Sky V3 has a known actuation force of 40 grams, making it a lighter option that appeals to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's bottom out force is set at 65 grams, indicating it is a medium-heavy switch, which provides a more substantial resistance that some typists may seek for a firmer feel when bottoming out. However, the actuation force for the U4Tx RGB remains unknown, making direct comparisons regarding how easily each switch registers a keystroke difficult. Overall, while the Sky V3 is lighter and thus easier to press for long periods, the U4Tx RGB suggests a heavier, more tactile experience due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Sky V3 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard, providing a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is often favored by gamers for quicker response times. As such, if you value a deeper tactile experience, the Sky V3 would be the preferable choice. However, if you prioritize responsiveness and a lighter touch, the U4Tx RGB may better suit your needs. With the Sky V3 being the longer switch, and the U4Tx RGB the shorter, your choice may ultimately depend on your specific preferences for feedback and speed while typing or gaming.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB 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
The sound profiles of the Dareu Sky V3 and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different auditory experiences. The Sky V3 delivers a neutral sound signature, characterized by its moderate actuation force and subdued output, making it versatile for both beginners and experienced typists in varied environments, whether at home or work. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB offers a unique sound experience with a pronounced bassy impact when bottoming out, creating a richer and deeper auditory sensation. It combines this deeper tone with a muted top-out, ensuring a quieter sound overall. While both switches are not overly loud, the U4Tx provides a more textured sound experience due to its bassy attributes.
When it comes to feel, the Sky V3 is recognized for its mild typing experience, catering to users who prefer a gentle and approachable tactile response that sits comfortably between distinct tactile and linear options. This makes the Sky V3 a well-rounded choice for those who enjoy a smooth keypress without aggressive feedback. The U4Tx RGB, however, lacks specific descriptors for its feel, which leaves some uncertainty about how it compares in this regard. Given its sharp tactile bump, one might expect the U4Tx to provide a more engaging typing experience, but without explicit details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
In summary, the Dareu Sky V3 and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches each bring their unique qualities to the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Sky V3 is celebrated for its neutral sound and mild feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB offers a distinctive auditory character with its deep thock and muted top-out, paired with a tactile bump that individuals may find luxurious. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, your choice will depend on whether you value a more neutral and gentle experience or a richer, bassy sound profile with sharper tactile feedback.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you prioritize a versatile, comfortable typing experience that accommodates a wide range of activities—be it casual gaming, general computer use, or typing—then the Sky V3 is an excellent option due to its mild feel and neutral sound signature. It is well-suited for both beginners and seasoned users, providing an approachable balance. On the other hand, if you crave a more luxurious typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, rich sound depth, and a heavier bottom-out force, then the U4Tx RGB is your go-to switch. Its combination of muted acoustics and a distinct tactile bump enhances typing satisfaction, making it ideal for users who appreciate that added sensory experience. Thus, your choice hinges on whether you lean toward a smooth, understated typing feel or a richer, more tactile feedback experience; selecting the right switch ultimately enhances your comfort and productivity at the keyboard.