Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience. The Huano Acacia linear switch has garnered attention for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it an appealing choice for those who want an enjoyable typing experience straight from the box. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a neutral sound signature and similarly medium-light weight, striking an excellent balance between comfort and precision for a variety of typing styles. While the Acacia excels in providing a ready-to-go experience with its smooth action, the Sky V3 is celebrated for its versatility and broad appeal, catering to both casual typists and dedicated professionals. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Dareu Sky V3 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sound profile characteristic of sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate is well-regarded in the keyboard switch community thanks to its stiffer composition, which allows for a more resonant sound experience. Both switches benefit from this material's translucency, ensuring that RGB lighting shines brightly through, enhancing aesthetic appeal. This shared material choice means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when they engage with the top housing of either switch, providing a consistent, crisp sound during typing or gaming.
In contrast, when it comes to their bottom housing, the Acacia and the Sky V3 are equally matched with nylon. This classic material offers a distinctive auditory quality, generating deeper and fuller sound profiles due to its softer nature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively leads to a rounder tone, which softens the impact noise produced when typing. Users will find that both switches provide a robust, satisfying experience at the bottom of the keypress, contributing to an overall engaging and enjoyable typing feel. The synergy between the softer nylon and the more rigid polycarbonate ensures each switch delivers a harmonious mix of deeper and crisper sound elements.
Ultimately, when considering the combined effect of the Huano Acacia and Dareu Sky V3's materials, the differences in bottom and top housings create a balanced interplay of sound Quality. The polycarbonate tops contribute to the sharpness of the typist experience, while the nylon bottoms enhance depth and fullness. As a result, even though the materials differ, the overall user experience remains enriching and satisfying due to the complementary acoustic properties of the two types of plastic. For both switches, players and typists can expect a high-performance feel that amalgamates clarity from the top and richness from the bottom, ultimately allowing for a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation forces, with the Acacia requiring a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the lighter 40 grams needed for the Sky V3. This distinction means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch might find the Sky V3 more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might prefer the Acacia for a more substantial feel. Additionally, the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a defined resistance when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Sky V3 remains unknown. The unspecified bottom out force for the Sky V3 means we cannot make a direct comparison here; however, if it aligns with the actuation force, it may not provide the same tactile feedback that the Acacia offers. Overall, individuals seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Dareu Sky V3, while those desiring a medium-light experience with a clear bottoming out sensation should consider the Huano Acacia.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sky V3 features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a quicker response time and a more reactive feel, the Acacia would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you enjoy the satisfying depth and tactile feedback of a deeper key press, the Sky V3 with its longer travel distance may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, this distinction allows users to select a switch based on their specific needs, with the Acacia being the shorter option and the Sky V3 being the longer one.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
The Huano Acacia linear switch produces a sound profile that is not detailed in the provided information, but typically, linear switches are designed to be quieter compared to tactile and clicky counterparts. With its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, one can expect a smooth and relatively subdued sound when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch boasts a neutral sound signature that blends well into various environments. Its subdued qualities signify that while the switch is not silent, it produces a dampened sound that is less intrusive compared to others, making it suitable for both office and home settings.
In terms of feel, while the specific tactile characteristics of the Acacia are not specified, its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble indicate a pleasant typing experience that can be achieved without any significant feedback or resistance. This aligns with a smoother sensation typically found in linear switches. Conversely, the Sky V3 offers a mild typing experience that provides a gentle touch without being overly aggressive. This makes it widely accessible and enjoyable for both beginners and experienced typists alike, striking a balance that caters to diverse preferences.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer medium-light weight attributes that enhance typing comfort. While specifics on the Acacia's sound and feel remain unspecified, it can be inferred that they will provide a smooth and pleasant experience, similar to the Sky V3's neutral and mild characteristics. If you're looking for linear switches that promise minimal sound and a comfortable feel, either option could lead to a satisfying typing experience, allowing for a great combination of performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, your choice should reflect your personal typing experience and preferences. If you appreciate a switch that requires a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and offers a seamless typing experience right out of the box thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia is an excellent option. This switch can be particularly suited for those who prioritize a responsive feel during their typing sessions, making it ideal for both casual users and gamers looking for consistent performance. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that is well-rounded and provides a neutral sound signature combined with a mild typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 may be the way to go. Its subdued sound profile and comfort level make it a fantastic choice for those who use their keyboard in both work and home environments, catering to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the specific operational advantages of the Acacia or the balanced versatility that the Sky V3 offers.
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