Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Dareu Sky V4 stand out as popular options. The Box Jade is favored for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and tactile bumps, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing, appealing to those seeking a rich and satisfying 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Sky V4, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile and is particularly useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 features a POK top housing, which offers exceptional smoothness, clackiness, and durability. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, they offer slightly different characteristics in terms of sound quality and durability.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 utilize nylon in their construction. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As both switches use nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect similar sound profiles when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in the top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, while the POK top housing of the Sky V4 provides smoothness, clackiness, and durability. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch, making them suitable for various preferences and uses.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch. The Box Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Sky V4 only requires 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This means that the Sky V4 is lighter overall, making it more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may find more satisfying. In terms of actuation and bottom out force, the Sky V4 is the lighter option, while the Box Jade is the heavier one, providing users with different options based on their preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting, both switches offer a consistent and similar typing experience in this aspect. So, whether you choose the Box Jade clicky switch or the Sky V4 linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, delivering sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a deeper and thocky sound signature, providing a rich and satisfying typing experience with its smooth linear action. While the Box Jade excels in producing a distinctive clicky sound, the Sky V4 offers a deep and satisfying tone that complements its linear action for a different auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium-heavy typing experience with crunchy tactile bumps and pronounced feedback. On the contrary, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Box Jade focusing on tactile bumps while the Sky V4 prioritizes a smooth and bouncy feel during typing.
Considering all the available information, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile along with pronounced tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you seek a smoother linear action with a deep and thocky sound signature, complemented by a bouncy and elastic keystroke feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, you will enjoy a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear action with a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Sky V4 switches would be more suitable for you. The innovative use of POK material in the top housing creates a rich and thocky sound that complements the smooth linear feel. Consider your preference for clicky feedback or linear action, as well as your desired sound profile, when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both the Box Jade and Sky V4 switches offer different typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
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