Kailh Box White V2 vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often comes down to personal preference and the type of experience one desires while typing or gaming. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out for their clicky nature, offering a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience complete with a pronounced click sound. This makes them particularly popular among typists who prefer a more traditional, engaging feel and are driven by the sheer joy of typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switches provide a completely different experience; characterized by their linear design, they deliver a smooth keystroke without the click, offering a neutral sound profile that is both subdued and pleasant for prolonged use. The medium-light weight of the Sky V3 is designed to cater to a wide range of users, from casual typists to serious gamers, making them an excellent choice for comfort and precision. While both switches have their unique benefits—one leaning into the auditory and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, and the other prioritizing a smooth and quiet experience—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 are strikingly similar, contributing to their respective sound profiles and overall performance in remarkably alike ways. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, a choice that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional illumination in keyboards designed for gamers and enthusiasts alike. Because both switches use this material for their tops, users can expect a similar audio experience when actuating keys, characterized by a clean and vibrant sound.
On the contrary, the bottom housing of both the Box White V2 and the Sky V3 is made from nylon, which provides a stark contrast to the qualities of the polycarbonate tops. As a well-established material in switch design, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound effectively to create a rounded auditory experience. The softness of nylon contrasts with the stiffness of polycarbonate, helping to balance the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch. When typing, the deeper tones produced by the nylon bottom will be felt more distinctly during bottom-out moments, contributing to the overall tactile feel of the switch. This pairing of different materials — polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom — allows both switches to blend the sharper sounds from the top housing with the fuller, softer sounds from the bottom housing.
Ultimately, although the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 employ different materials for their bottom housings, their designs complement each other perfectly to create a well-rounded typing experience. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, users can anticipate a similar high-pitched sound that enhances clarity when releasing a key. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the bottom-out sound feels rich and satisfying. The combination of materials creates a duality of sound that marries the crisper tones from the top with the fuller notes from the bottom, leading to a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that is intended to appeal to both casual users and keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 remains unknown. The Box White V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 40 grams of the Sky V3, making the V3 the lighter option for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White V2 reaches a measurable 50 grams, providing a firmer feedback when the key is fully pressed down. Conversely, since the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unspecified, we cannot gauge how it compares in this regard. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Dareu Sky V3 may be ideal. However, for those who appreciate a more tactile and substantial feel while typing, the Kailh Box White V2 could be more satisfying, despite the added weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky V3 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a more responsive feel, the Box White V2 might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation, a quality often favored by gamers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced key press that provides a deeper tactile experience, the longer travel distance of the Sky V3 could be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation speed and the depth of keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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.
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 White V2 switches produce a distinct, crisp audible click that provides clear auditory feedback with every keystroke. This pronounced sound can be both satisfying and attention-grabbing, making it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile and acoustic feedback of clicky switches. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switches feature a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a more subdued auditory profile. This creates a balanced experience where the sound is not overwhelming, making the Sky V3 suitable for various environments, from quiet offices to bustling homes, appealing to users who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are known for their pronounced tactile feedback, with a firm response that engages typists and gamers alike. The click mechanism adds to this tactile experience, providing a clear demarcation between the actuation point and the bottom-out. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switches offer a mild feel, promoting a softer typing experience compared to more aggressive mechanical switches. Their characteristics engage users in a comfortable manner, appealing to a broader range of preferences by striking a balance that is neither too harsh nor too soft.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Sky V3 switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, both achieve satisfactory results within their respective categories. Those who enjoy the pronounced feedback of clicky switches may find joy in the Box White V2, while users seeking a more muted and gentle typing experience will likely prefer the Sky V3. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the satisfying click of a tactile switch or the soft comfort of a linear one, as both can provide favorable results suited to different styles of typing and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V3 switches largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a noticeable tactile feedback, crisp click sounds, and a bit of excitement in your keystrokes, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it suitable for fast typists or those who appreciate a more playful typing experience. However, noise can be a consideration; if you're in a shared space or require a quieter environment, you may want to think twice about this switch. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a balanced, subdued feel without overpowering sound, the Dareu Sky V3 would be a perfect fit. This switch caters to a wide range of users with its mild actuation force and neutral sound signature, making it suitable for both home and professional settings. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your immediate comfort during use but also the typical environments in which you'll be typing.
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