HMX Game1989 vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, switch selection is pivotal in shaping your typing experience. The HMX 1989 switch stands out as the deepest and most thocky option within the HMX Film switch series, providing a muffled yet satisfying sound profile that many gamers and typists enjoy. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a rich auditory feedback while typing, making every keystroke feel substantial and immersive. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers its own unique charm through the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. This design not only enhances durability but also delivers a smooth linear action and a deeper, low-pitched sound signature that typists find particularly enjoyable. While both switches cater to fans of linear feedback, they each provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, making them suitable for different 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Dareu Sky V4 exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the material's inherent stiffness and resonant qualities. This not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for an impressive visual effect when combined with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency highlights the illumination. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. While POK is also recognized for its smooth performance, its sound signature is described as clackier rather than crisp, due to its higher coefficient of friction. Thus, while both materials can yield impressive results in terms of sound, the polycarbonate of the 1989 emphasizes brightness and clarity, whereas the POK material in the Sky V4 favors smoothness and pronounced clackiness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Sky V4 use nylon, which is a well-regarded classic in switch construction. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs vibrations more effectively due to its softer nature. This shared bottom housing material indicates that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, users of either switch will experience a similar deep and rounded sound during typing. The bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out feel and sound when the key is pressed down, affirming the role of nylon in creating a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct auditory signatures, the shared bottom housing allows for a cohesive and pleasant acoustic experience across both models.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 and Dareu Sky V4 differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POK—they achieve a commonality in their bottom housing, using nylon to enhance depth of sound. This combination offers a balanced tonal experience, blending the sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate with the smoothness and clackiness of the POK material. Ultimately, the unique interplay of these housings allows both switches to stand out, yet they also share commonalities that ensure users can expect a rich auditory experience during use, making both options appealing for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, both seem to share similarities in their actuation forces, with both requiring 45 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This uniformity suggests that users will experience similar responsiveness when typing or gaming, making either switch suitable for extended use without excessive strain. However, in terms of bottom out force, the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Sky V4 requires 55 grams, indicating that the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier feel when pressed down fully. Therefore, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option in overall force handling, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky V4, being marginally heavier in bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 measures at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the HMX 1989 provides a longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press for a tactile feedback experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Dareu Sky V4 may be more appealing to gamers seeking quick response times, as shorter travel distances generally facilitate faster actuation. Each switch serves a different preference; the longer HMX 1989 is suited for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke, while the shorter Sky V4 caters to those desiring a more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its deep and thocky tone, which epitomizes the thockiness common to the HMX Film switch series. This switch provides a resonant auditory experience that many typists find particularly satisfying, often evoking the sensation of a plush "thud" as keys are pressed and released. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch also features a deep sound signature thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. This switch is characterized by a rich and textured auditory profile that combines a moderate activation sound with a low-pitched echo, producing a balanced tonal quality that can cater to both casual and serious computer users.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is noted for its smooth linear action that allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, but specific tactile experiences have yet to be explicitly detailed. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky V4 is designed to deliver an equally smooth linear typing experience. It is structured to ensure that each key press feels consistent and comfortable, minimizing any potential interruptions that can occur with switches that offer tactile feedback. Both switches are engineered to provide an optimal typing experience, making them favorable for gamers and typists alike.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 switch boasts a distinctively thocky sound that defines its character, the Dareu Sky V4 complements its sound profile with a similarly rich auditory experience, enhanced by its unique POK material. Both switches promise smooth linear action, albeit with some unspecified differences in feel. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying performance from either switch, making them suitable choices for various typing preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your specific preferences and use cases. The HMX 1989, known for its deep and thocky sound profile, offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a rich auditory feedback and satisfying key presses. Its deeper sound signature can enhance your gaming experience, creating an immersive atmosphere. On the other hand, the Sky V4, with its slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, is distinguished by its POK material top housing, which contributes to a unique texture and sound. Its thocky and low-pitched characteristics provide a versatile typing experience, suitable for both gaming and professional environments, especially if you want a switch that balances smooth action with a pleasing sound. In short, if you prioritize a deep and pronounced acoustic feedback while gaming or typing, the HMX 1989 would be your go-to. However, if you value a more neutral experience with rich undertones, the Dareu Sky V4 would be a worthy choice.
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