Dareu Sky V3 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of linear versus tactile options, with the Dareu Sky V3 and Gateron Weightlessness serving as prime examples of each type. The Dareu Sky V3, a linear switch, is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, delivering a comfortable and precise typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, from casual typists to professional gamers. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile feel that enhances the typing experience with subtle to moderate feedback, making each keystroke more pronounced and satisfying. While the Sky V3 excels in providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Weightlessness enriches the experience with its tactile feedback, which can help typists feel more connected to their inputs. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V3 and Gateron Weightlessness switches present a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic can be attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for more clear resonance when keys are pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in sound quality due to the top housing material clearly showcases how materials can alter user experience in mechanical switches.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, they share a commonality with both the Dareu Sky V3 and Gateron Weightlessness utilizing nylon. This consistency means that both switches will likely deliver a similar sound profile upon bottoming out, as both benefit from nylon’s sound-absorbing properties. The deeper, fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the tactile experience when a key is pressed down fully, impacting the perceived feel of the switch. Since the bottom housing is instrumental during this phase, users can expect akin sound qualities from both switches when engaging with their keys despite the differences found in their top housings.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Sky V3 and Gateron Weightlessness switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing presents a synergy that balances their overall performance. Users can anticipate varying auditory experiences while pressing down a key because of the differing top materials, but the bottoming-out experience remains similar due to nylon's properties. Consequently, this combination highlights how the choice of materials in mechanical switches can lead to a multifaceted typing experience, ultimately catering to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit different characteristics in terms of actuation force. The Sky V3 has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Weightlessness features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Sky V3 will require less effort to activate, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its heavier actuation force, can offer a more substantial feel when typing, catering to those who enjoy a firmer response in their keystrokes. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so a direct comparison on that aspect isn't possible. However, given the difference in their actuation forces, it is clear that the Sky V3 is the lighter option, while the Weightlessness is heavier, providing distinct typing experiences for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Sky V3 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Sky V3 the longer of the two switches, providing a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel, caters to those seeking quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards more responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Weightlessness might be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial feedback with each key press, the Sky V3 could be more satisfying.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Sky V3 is characterized by its neutral and subdued sound signature. This balanced audio output makes it ideal for various environments, whether for professional settings or casual use. The dampened sound upon actuation ensures a less distracting experience, suitable for both beginners and experienced typists. In contrast, details regarding the sound profile of the Weightlessness switch are unknown; however, if it complements its tactile feel as described, it may also present a balanced sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overly loud.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Sky V3 offers a mild typing experience, meaning that its actuation force is gentle enough for comfort without overwhelming the user. This middle-ground approach makes it accessible to a diverse range of typists, whether they are new to mechanical keyboards or seasoned enthusiasts. The tactile feel of the Weightlessness switch is described as subtly to moderately tactile, indicating a distinctive feedback that could enhance the typing experience without being intrusive. Although both switches cater to different typing preferences, they aim to deliver comfort and usability, which are essential qualities for effective typing.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky V3 switches and the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide unique attributes that can cater to various user needs. The Sky V3 is appreciated for its neutral sound and mild feel, making it versatile across different typing scenarios. While the Weightlessness switches maintain a subtle tactile feedback that may appeal to tactile switch enthusiasts, their specific sound characteristics remain unknown. Ultimately, users looking for balance in sound and feel can expect satisfactory experiences from both options, albeit with different focuses in their design philosophy.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you seek in your keyboard experience. If you lean towards a more subtle, smooth typing experience, the Sky V3 will be ideal for you; its neutral sound profile and mild feel cater to both typing and gaming, making it a versatile option that is comfortable for long hours of use. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that offers just the right amount of resistance and a nuanced typing experience, then the Weightlessness would suit your needs better; its moderate tactile feedback still allows for a relaxed typing feel while providing a gratifying sensation with each key press. Consider where you'll be using your keyboard as well; if you tend to switch between tasks or environments frequently, the Sky V3's subdued sound can be a more considerate choice, whereas the Weightlessness's balanced tactile characteristics may bring you a satisfying pleasure that could enhance productivity during focused work. Ultimately, reflect on your typing habits and personal comfort to make the best decision for yourself.
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