Dareu Sky V4 vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky V4 and Gateron Smoothie both stand out as excellent options, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Sky V4 is renowned for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, providing typists with a deeper sound signature alongside a smooth linear action that results in a rich and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch, all at an affordable price point without compromising on quality. While both switches excel in different aspects, such as the Sky V4's bouncy feel compared to the Smoothie's buttery touch, it's essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Smoothie, we can see that the Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, while the Smoothie employs a POM top housing for a unique and pleasing sound profile. The POK material of the Sky V4 offers exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance, making it a top choice for those looking for a smooth and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a different typing experience compared to the Sky V4.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Sky V4 features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon housings. Similarly, the Smoothie also utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the overall pleasing and unique sound profile of the switch. With both switches boasting different bottom housing materials, users can expect varying sound profiles and typing experiences based on the composition of the housing material.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Smoothie, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. The POK top housing of the Sky V4 offers smoothness and durability, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a unique sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 produces a deep and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to its overall pleasing sound profile. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of typing satisfaction, but with nuances in sound profiles and feel based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Sky V4 is the heavier option. The Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. Actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes efficiently, while bottom out force indicates how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. The weight of the switch is an essential factor to consider, as some prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and how much force the user is comfortable with.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. With both switches having the same travel distance, it is safe to say that users will get similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress depth. Whether typing on the Dareu Sky V4 or the Gateron Smoothie, users can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance of 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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, both the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Smoothie switches are described as having a thocky sound profile, with the Sky V4 offering a deeper, low-pitched tone while the Smoothie produces a more subdued sound. The Sky V4's POK material in its top housing contributes to a rich and satisfying typing experience, while the Smoothie's all-POM construction delivers a remarkable smoothness and lightweight touch. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard and keycaps, users can expect similar thocky sounds from both switches, with the Sky V4 offering a deeper tone and the Smoothie providing a more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively feel with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is said to offer a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. While the Sky V4 emphasizes a bouncy feel, the Smoothie switch focuses on providing a smooth and creamy typing sensation. Users seeking a more lively and bouncy feel may prefer the Sky V4, while those looking for a smoother and buttery typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Sky V4 stands out for its deep, low-pitched thocky sound and bouncy feel, while the Gateron Smoothie excels in providing a smooth, buttery, and creamy typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall keyboard setup and keycap selection. Whether opting for the Sky V4 or the Gateron Smoothie, users can expect a high-quality linear switch with a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action, opt for the Sky V4. It offers a satisfying typing experience and a bouncy feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch at a more affordable price point, the Smoothie might be the better choice for you. It provides a thocky sound, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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