Kailh Box Navy vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Dareu Sky V4 offer distinct typing experiences. If you enjoy a heavy and tactile typing experience with a clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. Their vintage buckling keyboard feel and sharp, crunchy sound signature make them a favorite among those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out for its use of innovative POK material in the top housing, resulting in a smooth linear action with a deep and rich sound. If you prefer a more neutral and bouncy typing experience, the Sky V4 switch is worth considering. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 Navy and the Dareu Sky V4, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Sky V4 boasts a POK top housing known for its smoothness and durability. Both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound and POK offering a smoother typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Box Navy and the Sky V4 use nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a similar sound and feel, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy and Dareu Sky V4 differ in their choice of top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy provides a sharper sound profile, while the POK top housing of the Sky V4 offers smoothness and durability. In contrast, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Box Navy also has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams compared to the Sky V4's bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Sky V4 a lighter option overall, ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, whereas the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences - whether it be for longer typing sessions or a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6mm, making them both have a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key press resistance when using them. The consistency in travel distance ensures that users will get a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the travel distance of both switches provides a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer either clicky or linear switches.
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 Navy 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 Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile that resembles the satisfying click of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch provides a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in the top housing. Typists can enjoy a deep, rich sound with a smooth linear action, creating a different auditory experience compared to the Box Navy.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Navy is characterized by a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback that enhances the typing sensation with each keypress. In contrast, the Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like and lively feel that rebounds when pressed. The unique material composition of the Sky V4 contributes to its smooth linear action, which may appeal to typists looking for a different typing experience compared to the tactile feedback of the Box Navy.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy and Dareu Sky V4 switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for clicky tactile switches with a resonant and crunchy sound (Box Navy) or smooth linear switches with a thocky and bouncy feel (Sky V4). Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying feel and sound, albeit in different ways. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycaps can help determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy and tactile typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and the level of actuation force you are comfortable with. Happy typing!
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