Kailh Box White V2 vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V4, each catering to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, providing crisp tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more interactive and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 offers a smooth linear action characterized by a unique sound signature thanks to its innovative POK material in the top housing, delivering a deeper, richer audio profile that appeals to those who prefer quieter, more fluid keystrokes. While the Kailh Box White V2 might be the perfect choice for those who thrive on feedback and sound during typing, the Sky V4 attracts typists seeking a seamless, low-noise experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Sky V4 switches exhibit a clear distinction, particularly in their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during keystrokes. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate supports vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for customization enthusiasts. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, known for its smooth operation and durability. Despite the POK material having a slightly higher coefficient of friction than that of other commonly used plastics, it still delivers a smooth feel while contributing to a clacky sound profile, albeit with a different tonal quality compared to the Box White V2.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, signifying a shared approach to tonal depth and sound absorption. Nylon is revered for its ability to create a fuller, deeper sound, absorbing sound waves more effectively than harder materials. This similarity suggests that both switches will produce a similar auditory experience in terms of the lower sound profile since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound when typing. While the distinct materials of the top housing lead to different auditory characteristics during the actuation and release of the keys, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the foundational sound produced remains consistent across both models.
Considering the combined influence of the housing materials, the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Sky V4 will each produce unique sound profiles rooted in their respective top materials while retaining a common acoustic foundation due to the nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 may lead to a more resonant and higher-pitched sound during keystrokes, while the POK top of the Sky V4 offers a smoother yet clackier feel. However, when pressed, both switches will exhibit a rounded and fuller sound from the nylon bottom; thus, they can offer similar tactile feedback and auditory depth, despite their differences above. Ultimately, users may choose between these switches based on their preference for the auditory characteristics brought by the distinct top housing materials while still enjoying the benefits of the familiar nylon foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience when it comes to initiating keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Box White V2 reaching 50 grams and the Sky V4 at 55 grams. This makes the Box White V2 the lighter option overall, especially when considering the bottom out force, where it requires less force to bottom out compared to the Sky V4. For users who favor a lighter key feel for extended typing sessions, the Box White V2 would be the preferable choice, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel might lean towards the Sky V4, given its heavier bottom out force. Thus, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, the Sky V4's heavier bottom out may provide a more robust sensation for some users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable results in terms of keypress depth and feedback when using these switches. The identical travel distance allows for a similar typing experience, providing an equal feel whether one opts for the tactile response of the clicky Box White V2 or the smooth action of the linear Sky V4. In summary, players and typists alike can enjoy consistent performance from both switches due to their equivalent travel distances.
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 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.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switch is renowned for its crisp, tactile feedback paired with a pronounced click, making it distinctly audible and satisfying for typists who enjoy the audible affirmations of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch produces a richer, thocky sound, characterized by a low-pitched tone that resonates with a deeper depth than typical switches. This gives the Sky V4 a plush auditory feedback that may feel subtly different from the more piercing click of the Box White V2. The experience of sound, of course, can vary significantly based on accompanying components like the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile sensation that is associated with clicky switches, delivering a satisfying click with each press. However, specific descriptions of its tactile feel are not provided. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 is known for its bouncy feedback, lending the keys a springy quality that results in a lively typing experience. The tactile response of the Box White V2 might not match the bounciness of the Sky V4, making it more suited for typists who appreciate a more traditional tactile click than those who prefer the flexibility of a springy linear feel.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 offers a sharp auditory and tactile response ideal for those who relish clicky feedback, the Dareu Sky V4 presents a smooth, low-pitched thocky sound and a bouncy feel, catering to users who prefer a more subdued and fluid typing experience. These distinctions affect not only comfort and satisfaction while typing but also the overall experience, helping newcomers decide which switch best aligns with their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 switches, your decision should largely depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you enjoy typing that provides a tactile, clicky feedback and you appreciate auditory confirmation with each keypress, the Box White V2 would be an excellent fit. It’s a lighter switch, making it great for rapid typing sessions without feeling overly strenuous. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience with a deeper, thocky, and satisfying sound, the Sky V4 is the better choice. This switch’s medium-light actuation force and bouncy feel offer a delightful response that can be especially enjoyable for extended typing sessions, while the low-pitched sound profile makes it suitable for quieter environments like home offices or shared workspaces. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you favor a distinctive click with tactile feedback or a smooth and quieter typing experience.
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