KTT Darling vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Dareu Sky V3 offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Darling is a linear switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out creates a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that is engaging. On the other hand, the Sky V3, also a linear switch, is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it popular among diverse typing preferences. While the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Resonant', the Sky V3 is classified as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild'. Both switches have their own strengths, with the Darling offering a more tactile and engaging experience, and the Sky V3 providing a comfortable and precise typing feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 KTT Darling and the Dareu Sky V3 are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, allowing for a more visually appealing look, especially when paired with RGB lighting. This commonality suggests that users can expect a comparable sound profile and aesthetic experience from both keyboards.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The KTT Darling features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a similarly deep and fuller sound experience. Despite this difference, both keyboards offer a rounder sound quality that may appeal to those looking for a more muted typing experience compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housings.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Darling and the Dareu Sky V3 may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While both keyboards offer similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the distinction in their nylon bottom housings may provide users with slightly different tactile and auditory experiences. Ultimately, both keyboards offer a balance between sharpness and roundness in sound, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences for typing feel and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the Darling has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams, making the Darling slightly more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, the Darling also has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing compared to the Sky V3, where the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, which is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel may lean towards the KTT Darling switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Dareu Sky V3.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Darling being quicker and more responsive, while the Sky V3 offers a more deliberate keystroke. 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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant experience with a sharp and snappy sound profile that is engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a neutral and subdued sound profile that is suitable for various typing preferences and environments. While the Darling delivers a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback, the Sky V3 offers a more subtle and gentle sound that is approachable to most users.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and elastic feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively feel and rebound effect. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone of comfort and precision. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that caters to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, combined with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It features a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile that complements its tactile feedback, creating an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a wide range of typing preferences with a balance of comfort and precision. Whether choosing the Darling or the Sky V3, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their specific preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Darling if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with bouncy and springy feedback, and prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, go for the Sky V3 if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and versatile typing experience suitable for various preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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