TTC Brother vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The Brother is praised for its lightweight actuation of 37g, providing a tactile typing experience without feeling burdensome. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a well-balanced tactile bump, it's a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Sky V3 from Dareu is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a versatile option for different typing preferences. While the Brother is categorized as crunchy, easy to press, and stepped, the Sky V3 is categorized as neutral, subdued, and mild. Each switch has its own strengths and caters to different user preferences, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Dareu Sky V3, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, while the Brother features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Sky V3 also opts for nylon for its bottom housing to create a similar effect. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the TTC Brother and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer a unique sound experience with their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile for both switches. Additionally, since polycarbonate is commonly used in switches with clear housings, it also enhances the aesthetics of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While the bottom housing materials may vary between the two switches, the impact of the top housing on the sound quality remains consistent.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Dareu Sky V3 play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Brother and the Sky V3 contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, each switch is able to offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of both polycarbonate and nylon to create a well-rounded sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Brother is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it challenging to directly compare this aspect. However, it can be assumed that since the actuation force is lighter for the Brother switch, it may also have a lighter bottom out force in comparison to the Sky V3. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly softer typing experience with the Brother switch, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch's heavier actuation force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sky V3 has a longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper key press feel, you may opt for the Dareu Sky V3. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a delightful and distinctively crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This characteristic is highly favored by enthusiasts of clicky switches who enjoy a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch presents a more neutral sound profile, creating a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. Additionally, the Sky V3 switch also offers a more subdued sound when pressed, providing a quieter typing experience compared to many other switches on the market.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. With a stepped feel, users can experience a gentle resistance during key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, appealing to a broader range of users with its gentle characteristics. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Brother switch catering more towards those who prefer a lightweight and tactile experience, and the Sky V3 switch catering to a wider audience with its neutral and mild feel.
Considering all the information available, it is evident that the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy and tactile sound profile with an easy-to-press feel, the Sky V3 switch offers a more neutral sound with a mild typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing style. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience that suits the needs of enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a clicky switch with a lightweight actuation force, satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a well-balanced tactile feedback, then the Brother may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral switch with a medium-light weight, a subdued sound profile, and a mild typing experience, then the Sky V3 could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing habits and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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