Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Dareu Sky V4 stand out as intriguing options for those who prefer a linear feel. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivering a delightful typing experience straight out of the box with minimal stem wobble. Its design prioritizes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 introduces a unique twist with its innovative POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that enhances its smooth linear action. Described as “thocky” and “neutral,” the Sky V4 offers a richer auditory experience, making typing feel more satisfying. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear response, they offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 housing materials used in the Huano Acacia and Dareu Sky V4 switches exhibit distinct characteristics that impact both their sound profiles and overall durability. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, which contribute to a sharper, crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This stiffer plastic enhances sound resonance and clarity, resulting in a high-pitched auditory experience. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the housing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing that boasts exceptional durability, being over 14 times stronger than POM and providing a smooth, clacky experience. The POK material's slight increase in friction—compared to the LY polymer—also adds to the tactile feedback of the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Acacia and the Sky V4 utilize nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that nylon absorbs sound more than harder plastics, this shared material significantly affects the auditory experience when typing on either switch. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches can be expected to carry similar attributes due to the use of nylon, reinforcing the classic properties associated with this type of housing. Therefore, while the top housings of the two switches are different—one promoting clarity and brightness, while the other enhances smoothness and durability—the bottom housings align closely in their acoustic qualities.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials of the top housings—polycarbonate in the Acacia and POK in the Sky V4—affect each switch's sound and durability in specific ways. The Acacia's design prioritizes brightness and clarity, ideal for users who appreciate the sharper sounds associated with gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Sky V4 harnesses the strength and smoothness of POK to deliver a tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Despite these differences in the top housing materials, the initiation of a sound run remains grounded in the shared nylon bottom housing, promising a rich and profound auditory outcome in both switches. Thus, while the sound profiles differ due to the top materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will enjoy a similar foundational typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it's noteworthy that both switches exhibit identical specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Each switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing them as medium-light options. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience, where the lighter actuation force is ideal for those who type for extended periods, providing less strain during long gaming sessions or work hours. Conversely, the common heavier bottom out force adds a tactile feel that some may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, since both switches share these metrics, users can anticipate similar results regarding responsiveness and feedback when using either switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Acacia switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Sky V4, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. Conversely, the extra 0.1 mm on the Sky V4 may provide a slightly deeper feel, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Therefore, if you favor rapid response times, the Huano Acacia switch could be the better choice, whereas the Dareu Sky V4 might suit individuals who appreciate a bit more travel depth in their keystrokes.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch delivers a pleasing audio profile, characterized by a smooth and unobtrusive sound that does not distract from the typing experience. This makes it ideal for environments where you want to maintain focus, as it blends seamlessly into the background. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch features a deeper sound signature that is described as thocky. This means it produces a deep, rich noise—akin to a soft thud—when pressed, which contrasts nicely with the Acacia's more subtle tones. The Sky V4's low-pitched quality adds an air of gravitas to each keystroke, providing a contrasting experience for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch is recognized for its medium-light weight, which contributes to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. It boasts generous factory lubrication, minimizing stem wobble and ensuring consistent performance right out of the box. This results in a stable and predictable keystroke that is easy to get accustomed to. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 brings a bouncier feel to the table, offering a lively, spring-like sensation that energizes each keystroke. This bounciness can provide a more dynamic feedback that some typists may find invigorating, allowing for quicker typing rhythms while also enhancing comfort.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct yet appealing experiences. The Acacia excels in providing a smooth, quiet typing experience with minimal distractions, while the Sky V4 captivates with its deeper, thocky sound and bouncier feedback. Depending on your preferences—whether you prioritize an unobtrusive auditory experience with a stable feel or a rich sound with lively actuation—you can choose either switch to achieve enjoyable typing results. Ultimately, both of these options present unique qualities, making them excellent candidates for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value a smooth, reliable typing experience right out of the box, you may find the Acacia more to your liking. Its medium-light actuation force, coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, allows for an enjoyable typing experience that doesn't require additional modifications. This makes the Acacia an excellent choice for both casual users and those who may not want to tinker with their keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a deeper sound signature and a bouncier feel, the Sky V4 may be the switch for you. Its unique POK material construction contributes to its thocky sound and lively feedback, making it an inviting choice for gamers and typists who appreciate auditory and tactile sensations. So consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience to select the switch that best suits your needs.
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