Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Sky V4 offer distinctly different experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box Royal, renowned for its sharp and binary tactile feedback, delivers a nearly aggressive tactile sensation, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate pronounced feedback with every keystroke. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds an element of urgency to typing, perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 distinguishes itself with a smoother, linear action, highlighted by the innovative POK material used in its top housing. This switch provides a thocky, low-pitched sound signature, creating a rich and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid transition between keystrokes. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preferred typing style and noise sensitivity; the Box Royal offers the thrill of sharp tactility, while the Sky V4 emphasizes smoothness and depth. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$6.25 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Sky V4, a stark contrast emerges, particularly in their top housings. The Box Royal utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is regarded for its relatively softer plastic properties. This softness leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs POK material, known for its smoothness and durability. With a lower coefficient of friction and a resilient structure that surpasses nylon in shock resistance, the POK contributes to a distinctive clacky typing experience. Thus, while both switches offer a satisfying feel, the Sound characteristics differ, with the Box Royal providing a rounded acoustic feedback compared to the sharper tones of the Sky V4.

In terms of bottom housings, both the Box Royal and the Sky V4 utilize nylon, providing them with similar acoustic properties at this level. The use of nylon in both switches allows for a deeper sound profile, contributing to a muted bottom-out sound that typists may find pleasurable. Since the bottom housing has a significant influence on how the switch feels at the bottom-out point, both switches maintain consistency in this aspect, offering a comparable tactile experience that aligns with the preferences of users who appreciate sound absorption and cushioning. The shared nylon material at the bottom enables these switches to produce consistently full-bodied feedback when pressed.

Ultimately, the combined characteristics of the top and bottom housings in both the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky V4 need to be considered collectively. While the top housing of each switch diverges in material—nylon for the Box Royal and POK for the Sky V4—the bottom housings unify their acoustic profiles through the use of nylon. Thus, even though they offer varied experiences in terms of tactile feel and sound upon release due to differing top materials, the durable and sound-absorbing features of the nylon in the bottom housing provide both switches with a familiar foundation. As a result, typists can experience pleasing, muted sound profiles in both cases, albeit with a distinctive tonal difference influenced by the top housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we find notable differences in their bottom out forces despite having the same actuation force. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar initial resistance that facilitates a quick response during typing or gaming. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, creating a more substantial feel upon full depression, while the Sky V4 is lighter with a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means the Box Royal may be better suited for users who prefer a stronger push sensation for tactile feedback, while the lighter Dareu Sky V4 could be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, minimizing fatigue. Thus, if you value a more weighty feeling at the limit of key travel, the Box Royal would be the better choice; for those who prefer ease and reduced resistance, the Sky V4 is ideal.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they offer an identical feel when pressed down. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke depth and activation force. This uniformity ensures that whether one prefers the tactile feedback of the Box Royal or the smoothness of the Sky V4, the experience during typing or gaming remains consistent.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch delivers a high-pitched, sharp tone upon actuation, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback. This sound profile is crisp and clean, allowing for an energetic typing experience without the deeper bass notes found in other switches. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch features a low-pitched, thocky sound signature that provides a rich and satisfying auditory feedback, reminiscent of a deep "thud" when the key is pressed. This mellow tone is generally more subdued than the high-pitched Box Royal, catering to those who prefer a more rounded sound experience while typing.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal excels with its sharp tactile feedback, offering a binary tactility that is both strong and distinct. Each keystroke is accompanied by a pronounced bump, allowing the typist to easily discern when the switch is actuated, which can be particularly advantageous for touch typists seeking confirmation with each key press. The Dareu Sky V4, being a linear switch, does not have a tactile bump and instead provides a smooth and consistent keystroke from top to bottom, appealing to those who seek a fluid typing experience without the interruptions of tactile feedback.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch delivers an aggressive, high-pitched sound accompanied by sharp tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 offers a low-pitched, thocky auditory profile paired with a smooth, linear feel, catering to those preferring a more mellow typing environment. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, selecting between these switches can significantly influence your overall typing satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a tactile experience that delivers a pronounced and sharp bump upon actuation, coupled with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the ideal switch for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams can enhance your typing feedback, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more aggressive tactile sensation, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear action accompanied by a deeper, thocky sound, the Dareu Sky V4 is your best bet. With a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, it's particularly suitable for long typing sessions, providing a comfortable and satisfying experience without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. Ultimately, consider your typing style, comfort, and the sound profile you find satisfying; this will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more