Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Sky V3 stand out in their respective categories. The Box Royal is praised for its incredibly tactile nature, offering a sharp and binary tactility that appeals to those seeking a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 from Dareu is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a balance between comfort and precision that caters to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Box Royal leans towards a higher-pitched sound profile and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Sky V3 provides a subdued and mild 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky V3, it is evident that the Box Royal features a nylon top housing while the Sky V3 opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sky V3 produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition. While both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Royal and Sky V3 utilize nylon material. This shared housing material results in a similar sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. With the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a consistent typing experience across both switches. Despite the differences in the top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
In summary, while the top housings of the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky V3 offer distinct sound profiles due to their varying materials, the shared nylon bottom housing results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Box Royal's nylon top housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired aesthetics. Regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the shared bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal is the heavier option. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium to heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a switch as it affects typing comfort and overall typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for a heavier force for a more substantial and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly quicker key press with its shorter travel distance, catering to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may suit users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, making each keystroke feel crisp and defined. This sound signature is ideal for those who prefer a distinct audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound, offering a quieter typing experience that is well-suited for various environments. The Sky V3's sound profile is more versatile and can cater to a wider range of preferences, whether you prefer a quieter typing experience or a more pronounced audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, delivering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This makes the typing experience highly satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a milder typing experience, with a gentler tactile feel that falls within a comfortable middle-ground zone. The Sky V3's typing feel is approachable to most users, providing a pleasant balance between feedback intensity and typing comfort.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch and the Dareu Sky V3 switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and high-pitched sound with intense tactile feedback, the Box Royal switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a more neutral and subdued sound with a milder typing feel, the Sky V3 switch is the perfect option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback intensity, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you desire a nearly aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience, the Sky V3 would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Happy typing!
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