HMX Cheese vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky and crispy sound signature. Being lighter than the majority of switches on the market, it provides a light and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound that enhances its smooth linear action. With a rich and satisfying typing experience, it is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their strengths, but ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Sky V4 differ in their composition and characteristics. The Cheese utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, contributing to smooth, clacky, and durable switches. Despite their differences, both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing unique sound profiles and tactile feedback.
While the Cheese and the Sky V4 share similar nylon bottom housing materials, the top housings present a contrasting picture. The Cheese's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Sky V4's POK top housing provides a smoother experience with added durability and shock resistance. This contrast in top housing materials showcases the varying approaches manufacturers take to optimize the performance and feel of their switches. Ultimately, both materials play a crucial role in enhancing the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, manufacturers can customize the sound profile, feel, and durability of the switches. While the Cheese's nylon housing offers a deeper sound profile, the Sky V4's POK housing prioritizes smoothness and durability. Both materials have their unique advantages, ultimately providing users with a range of options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Cheese is lighter in both categories. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Cheese offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Sky V4, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the Sky V4 provides a slightly heavier feel, which may appeal to users who desire a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of key response and feedback despite the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their quick response times, particularly among gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Cheese may appeal to those who prioritize responsiveness, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Sky V4 may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, known for its ultra-light feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a deeper and richer sound experience due to its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound profile. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some users may prefer the lighter and more crisp sound of the Cheese, while others may gravitate towards the deeper and more satisfying sound of the Sky V4 depending on their typing style and environment.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unmatched smoothness and pristine typing experience, without specific descriptors mentioned. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Whether you prefer a more traditional smooth typing experience or enjoy the bouncy sensation of the keys, both switches offer different tactile experiences that can cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that set them apart in the mechanical keyboard market. With the Cheese excelling in providing a light and crisp sound profile paired with unmatched smoothness, and the Sky V4 offering a deeper and more satisfying sound experience with a bouncy tactile feedback, typists can choose a switch based on their sound and feel preferences. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the weight of the bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 46 grams and a smooth, clacky typing experience, the Cheese switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom out force of 55 grams and a deeper, thocky sound profile along with a bouncy feel, the Sky V4 switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force weight.
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