Dareu Sky V4 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Weightlessness each offer distinct advantages catering to different typing preferences. The Sky V4, a linear switch, is renowned for its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper, thocky sound profile that enhances the smoothness of its linear action. This makes it an appealing option for typists who seek a satisfying, noise-friendly experience without the tactile interruption of a bump. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, provides users with a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, creating a balanced sound profile that makes each keystroke noteworthy without being overly loud. This tactile response is ideal for those who enjoy a touchpoint in their typing experience for greater precision and engagement. While both switches cater to unique preferences—speed and smoothness versus tactile feedback and sound—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
50g
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
3.40 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Gateron Weightlessness, we find distinct differences that affect the overall feel and sound profile of the switches. The Sky V4 employs a POK top housing, characterized by its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it exceptionally smooth to type on. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches utilize a nylon top housing, which, while also a favored choice in keyboard switches, offers a different tactile experience. Nylon, with a coefficient of friction of 0.03, contributes to a softer and more muted sound, generating a typing experience that is deeper and rounder. This fundamental difference between POK's enhanced durability and smoother feel versus nylon's sound-dampening quality ultimately shapes the user experience for each switch.
When we look at the bottom housings for both switches, we find that the materials align with the trends set by the top housings. The Sky V4 features a nylon bottom housing, which complements the softer sound profile established by its top housing. Here, nylon's classic characteristics continue to contribute to a fuller sound that responds well to the impact of bottoming out. Similarly, the Gateron Weightlessness also features a nylon bottom housing, enhancing the depth and roundness of sound. Since both switches have nylon in their bottom housing, they will likely yield comparable auditory feedback during use, demonstrating how different materials can be mitigating factors in achieving similar acoustic results even amid varied types.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings in both the Sky V4 and the Weightlessness highlights how material choice affects the overall experience of each switch. Although the Sky V4 benefits from the superior mechanical properties of POK in its top housing, which leads to a smoother keypress, the shared nylon in the bottom housing enhances sound articulation to create a rich auditory environment. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness turns to nylon in both top and bottom housings, maintaining a consistent sound profile and user experience. Thus, while the tactile sensations may differ, users can expect a satisfying auditory response from both switches due to the presence of nylon in the bottom housings, creating a synergy that balances performance with sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Weightlessness remains unspecified. The Sky V4 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, especially during prolonged use. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. The absence of a specified bottom out force for the Gateron switch suggests that it may provide a unique response upon full travel, but without further details, we cannot directly compare this aspect. Ultimately, the Dareu Sky V4 is lighter overall, while the Gateron Weightlessness stands out for those seeking a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Sky V4 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Gateron Weightlessness may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses favored by gamers. However, those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes may find the Dareu Sky V4 more to their liking, offering a more deliberate and hearty tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches have distinct travel distances, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is notable for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, which creates a deep and rich auditory experience while typing. This means that when you press a key, you can expect a satisfying "thud" that feels both pleasant and impactful. The use of POK material enhances this sound quality, contributing to a mellow tone that is less harsh on the ears. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its sound profile, leaving its characteristics somewhat ambiguous. Without detailed information, it’s difficult to make direct comparisons; however, given that it is noted for a balanced sound profile, it likely offers a more straightforward auditory experience without the rich complexity found in the Sky V4.
When looking at the feel of these switches, the Sky V4 clearly stands out with its bouncy characteristic, offering a lively and responsive sensation. This makes typing feel engaging, as each key press comes with a spring-like rebound that can enhance the overall experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more active typing engagement. In contrast, the Weightlessness tactile switches do not provide detailed insights on their feel, leaving us without a solid foundation for comparison. However, since they are referred to as tactile, one might experience a distinct feedback when bottoming out or releasing the keys, though the exact nature of that feedback remains unspecified.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a unique combination of a deep sound and bouncy feel that creates an enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who appreciate auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch, while described as having a balanced sound and a tactile character, lacks detailed qualities that would allow for a thorough comparison in sound and feel. If sound and feel are important to you, the Sky V4 is likely the more engaging option, whereas the Weightlessness would be appropriate for someone seeking a more neutral typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in your choice between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a linear switch that delivers a smooth, bouncy feel and a thocky sound with a more resonant and deeper auditory experience, the Sky V4 is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, especially if you prioritize speed or gaming without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that provides a more nuanced typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness might be better for you, despite the absence of a specified bottom-out force. This switch caters to those who appreciate a subtle tactile bump without being overly pronounced, making it great for a balanced sound profile in quieter environments or office settings. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize that silky linear smoothness and a deep sonic signature with the Sky V4 or the nuanced tactile sensation without a strong bump from the Weightlessness.
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