TTC Flaming Pink vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky V4 present two enticing options, each with unique characteristics that cater to distinct user preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel and pleasing bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday typists seeking a premium experience. Its sound profile strikes a balance—bright yet not overly loud—allowing it to fit well into various environments without causing distraction. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 sets itself apart with its innovative POK material in the top housing, which lends a deeper sound signature to its smooth linear action. This particular combination not only enhances the typing experience but also results in a thocky, neutral feel with a low-pitched, bouncy response that many gamers and typists find satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct advantages, making them worthy contenders depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will suit you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky V4, a key distinction lies in the composition of the top housings. The Flaming Pink utilizes polycarbonate, a stiff plastic known for its ability to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's clarity enhances the resonance of the sound produced by the switch, making it particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sky V4 features POK, or polyketone, which offers exceptional smoothness due to its lower friction coefficient, resulting in a seamless typing experience. While both materials prioritize sound production, the Flaming Pink aims for brightness and clarity, while the Sky V4 focuses on smooth tactile feedback, highlighting the differing auditory and tactile experiences these switches present.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals a notable similarity, as both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky V4 employ nylon. This classic material is characterized by its capacity to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile because of its sound-absorbing properties. Consequently, switches with nylon bottoms tend to deliver a rounder auditory experience, effectively contrasting with the sharper tones of the polycarbonate or POK top housing. As a result, even though the top housings diverge in material and sound characteristics, the nylon bottoms contribute a consistent auditory foundation to both switches, producing a complementary sound profile that balances each switch's unique top housing properties.
In summary, while the TTC Flaming Pink and Dareu Sky V4 utilize different materials for their top housings, the nylon bottom housing creates a shared characteristic for both switches. Users can expect similar deeper and fuller sounds from the bottom housing, despite the brighter, more resonant qualities found in the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top or the smoother tactile sensation offered by the Sky V4's POK. Ultimately, the combination of the distinct top materials and the common nylon bottom allows for a variety of auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in switch feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This indicates that while both switches offer a relatively light feel, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option overall. Users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Flaming Pink more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas those who appreciate a bit more resistance for a more tactile feel might prefer the Sky V4. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on an individual's preference for typing comfort and keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning you will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect a similarly responsive feel when pressing down on the keys, resulting in a comparable typing or gaming experience. With both switches measuring the same, the difference in overall performance will likely come down to other factors, such as actuation force or switch design, rather than travel distance alone.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch delivers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing without being disruptive. Its satisfying bottom-out sound adds to the overall premium experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch presents a deeper sound signature thanks to its innovative POK material in the top housing. This switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched sound that produces a rich and satisfying auditory experience, evoking a sense of depth akin to a soft knock. While both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, the Flaming Pink leans towards a brighter timbre, whereas the Sky V4 provides a more bass-heavy resonance.
When considering feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth, responsive action that enhances the typing experience, although specific descriptors for its feel are not provided. The Dareu Sky V4, however, is characterized by its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This springiness offers added rebound when pressed, creating a dynamic interaction that many typists appreciate. While the Flaming Pink assures a pleasurable typing experience, the exact nature of its tactile feedback is less defined compared to the clearly described bounciness of the Sky V4.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink’s bright sound and smooth feel present a premium experience ideal for versatile use, whereas the Sky V4's deep thocky auditory signature and bouncy feedback make it a joy for those who seek a rich and lively interaction. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and the sensation of key presses, as both are engineered to provide satisfaction in typing and gaming scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a lightweight feel coupled with a smooth and responsive typing experience, along with a pleasant sound profile that isn’t overly loud, then the Flaming Pink switches would be an excellent choice for both gaming and daily tasks. Their 50-gram actuation force makes them particularly appealing for extended typing sessions where you desire a less strenuous key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feedback with a thocky sound signature that delivers a rich auditory experience, the Sky V4 switches are likely to suit you better. With a 55-gram bottom-out force and a bouncy feel, they provide a satisfying response that can enhance the enjoyment of both typing and gaming, particularly if you appreciate a deeper sound and a lively key action. Thus, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the specific applications you'll use the keyboard for to guide your decision.
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