Durock Dolphin vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump. The Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office environments or any setting where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a satisfying press that balances precision and resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 features an innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that enhances the smooth linear action for a rich typing experience. While the Dolphin is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', the Sky V4 is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and specific needs, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you find the best switch for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Sky V4 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, crisper sound profile ideal for those seeking a more resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sky V4's POK top housing offers a smoother, clackier sound with exceptional durability, making it a popular choice for users prioritizing longevity and a satisfying typing feel. Both top housing materials excel in their own right, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, while POK emphasizes smoothness and durability.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Dolphin and the Sky V4 contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience. Despite the similarity in bottom housing material, each switch maintains its unique characteristics based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials. While the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and the Dareu Sky V4 showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate and POK in the top housings creates distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate delivering sharpness and clarity, while POK offers smoothness and durability. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. By understanding the qualities each housing material brings to the table, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams. However, the Dolphin has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Sky V4 has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Dolphin switch requires a lighter initial touch but ultimately provides a heavier typing experience when fully pressed down, while the Sky V4 offers a slightly heavier initial touch with a lighter bottom out feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the Dolphin for its light actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may favor the Sky V4 for a more substantial typing experience with a slightly lighter overall feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-light typing experience, with slight variations in the distribution of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the Dolphin offers a bit more depth compared to the Sky V4, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired level of key travel distance for an optimal typing or gaming experience. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of performance and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving typists a deep and rich auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so your choice will depend on whether you prefer a softer and quieter typing experience or a richer and deeper sound while typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin switch is known for its polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy feel, giving typists a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with lively key presses. Depending on whether you prefer a sleek and polished typing experience or a more bouncy and lively feel while typing, your choice between the two switches will vary.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch excels in providing a quieter and more muted typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation force, while the Sky V4 switch stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, leading to a deeper and more satisfying sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch offers a polished and refined typing experience, whereas the Sky V4 switch provides a bouncy and lively feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Dolphin may be the better choice for you, especially in office environments. On the other hand, if you value a smooth linear action with a medium-light actuation force, along with a thocky, low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Sky V4 could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what aspects of typing experience matter most to you.
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