Dareu Dream vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its lightness and affordability, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for a quality switch at a great price point. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action that provides a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Dream is easy-to-press and clacky, the Sky V4 is thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Dareu Dream and Sky V4 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to clear and resonant sound characteristics. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sky V4 utilizes POK material for its top housing, which offers a smooth, clacky, and durable feel. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK is one of the smoothest materials available, surpassing Nylon and POM in wear and shock resistance.
Both the Dareu Dream and Sky V4 incorporate nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to others, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder acoustical experience. The top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Despite having the same material for the bottom housing, the Dream and Sky V4 may offer slightly different typing experiences based on their other housing materials.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream and Sky V4 differ in their choice of top housing material, with the Dream utilizing polycarbonate and the Sky V4 featuring POK. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, while the Sky V4's POK material provides a smooth, clacky, and durable typing experience. Both keyboards share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of materials in the housing of each keyboard contributes to its overall sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Dream is unknown, while the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly quicker response time for the Dream switch, while the heavier bottom out force of the Sky V4 may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. On the other hand, the Sky V4's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of standard travel distances, with the Dream being on the longer end and the Sky V4 being on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream linear switch offers a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and bright tone during typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a deeper thocky sound with a neutral profile and low-pitched tones, creating a rich and satisfying auditory experience. The Dream switch may have a lighter and more pronounced sound, while the Sky V4 switch offers a more robust and mellow sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for sound, with the Dream switch leaning towards a sharper tone and the Sky V4 switch offering a deeper and more nuanced sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by being easy to press and mild, providing gentle resistance and minimal force required for key presses. This results in a responsive and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a bouncier feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. The Dream switch focuses on effortless and comfortable typing, whereas the Sky V4 switch emphasizes a more dynamic and energetic typing feel. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for typing experience, with the Dream switch offering a gentle and smooth feel, and the Sky V4 switch providing a more lively and bouncy sensation.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Dream switch excels in providing a lighter and clacky sound, paired with an easy-to-press and mild feel that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch offers a deeper thocky sound with a bouncy feel, creating a more dynamic and springy typing experience. Overall, both switches provide quality linear options at varying price points, allowing newcomers to mechanical keyboards to explore and find the switch that best suits their typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Dareu Dream and Sky V4 switches will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you value a very light linear option with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and innovative POK material in its top housing, the Dareu Sky V4 switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness, or a rich sound profile and innovative materials in your typing experience. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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