Gateron Mountain Top vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique advantages worth considering. The Gateron Mountain Top is tailored for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, appealing to a wider range of typing preferences. While both switches offer comfort and precision, the Mountain Top emphasizes subtlety and light actuation, while the Sky V3 focuses on a more neutral and subdued typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Sky V3, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Mountain Top utilizes a softer nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Sky V3 features a stiffer polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials leads to a different typing experience for users, with the nylon providing a more muted sound compared to the polycarbonate's more resonant quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Sky V3 use nylon. This classic switch housing material brings about a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. Despite having different top housing materials, the similarity in their nylon bottom housing ensures that users can expect consistent sound and feel when typing on these switches. This consistency in the bottom housing material may appeal to users who prefer a particular sound profile and typing experience.
Overall, the choice of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Sky V3 differ in their top housing materials, they share a common ground in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel for both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual preferences in sound quality and the tactile feedback provided by the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we see that both switches have an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Mountain Top has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. The Mountain Top is on the lighter side when it comes to bottom out force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Mountain Top provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a lighter touch or a more forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mountain Top offers a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a slightly deeper press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Regardless of the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer similar results in terms of functionality, with the main distinction being the preference for a quicker response or a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Dareu Sky V3 switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Mountain Top switch provides a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, while the Sky V3 switch offers a more subdued sound signature. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is lauded for its bouncy and easy-to-press qualities, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Additionally, the switch is described as mild and snappy, offering a gentle yet lively feel to the keys. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is primarily described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience without extreme characteristics. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and efficient typing feel, catering to a diverse range of user preferences.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Dareu Sky V3 switches offer similar subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Mountain Top switch may provide a slightly bouncier and easier-to-press typing experience compared to the Sky V3 switch, both switches ultimately aim to strike a balance between comfort, precision, and versatility. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet and light typing experience, ideal for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and medium-light weight that caters to a wide range of typing preferences, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific typing needs and preferences, whether you prioritize a more discreet typing experience or a balanced feel that caters to various typing styles.
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