Dareu Sky V4 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches have their own unique strengths worth considering. The Sky V4 stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action that provides a rich and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silvers are known for their all-POM construction, offering a short travel distance for quick actuation along with a thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and feather-light touch. Both switches have their own qualities that make them appealing to different users depending on their preferences, 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Sky V4's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable experience with exceptional wear and shock resistance, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a unique and pleasing deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature absorbing more sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing complements the top housing with a similar pleasing and deep sound profile.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Sky V4 and Smoothie Silver, both switches offer a smooth and clacky typing experience. The POK top housing of the Sky V4 contributes to its smoothness and durability, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver creates a unique deeper sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 enhances the sound experience with a deeper tone, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver complements the top housing for a more muted sound profile. Overall, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
The split between the top and bottom housings in the Sky V4 and Smoothie Silver highlights the importance of each material's contribution to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. While the Sky V4 showcases the benefits of POK and nylon materials in its top and bottom housing, respectively, the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both top and bottom, resulting in a harmonious sound profile that is deeper and more muted. In conclusion, both switches offer unique advantages through their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force is the same at 45 grams. However, the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Sky V4 is considered medium-light due to its slightly higher bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver's weight remains uncertain. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sky V4 for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may be more inclined towards the Smoothie Silver for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar actuation forces, ensuring comparable results in triggering keystrokes. The difference lies in the bottom out force, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Dareu switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron switch. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth in its travel distance, the Dareu Sky V4 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and quick keystroke, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky, deep, and satisfying sound profile, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. This switch produces a rich and low-pitched tone that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not available, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Sky V4 is known for providing a bouncy and lively typing experience. Its linear action coupled with the bouncy feedback gives typists a spring-like sensation and a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch are not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch stands out for its deep and thocky sound signature along with the bouncy and lively feel it offers during typing. On the other hand, information on the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is limited, making it hard to make a comprehensive comparison. However, based on available information, it's clear that both switches provide a smooth linear action, and users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better fit for each individual.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a deep sound signature with smooth linear action, the Dareu Sky V4 switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, short travel distance for fast actuation, and a thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness, you may find the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch to be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision between the Dareu Sky V4 and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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