Huano Grape Orange vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Dareu Sky V4 represent two distinct takes on linear switches, catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Grape Orange is celebrated for its exceptionally light and effortless typing feel, featuring an ultra-low 40g actuation force that makes it an ideal choice for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring that users can type with speed and comfort. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, offering not only a smooth linear action but also a deeper, more resonant sound profile, often described as “thocky” or low-pitched. This switch is well-suited for those who desire auditory feedback alongside a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have unique strengths; the Grape Orange excels in comfortable, low-effort typing, while the Sky V4 provides a rich acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Dareu Sky V4, notable differences in the top housing are evident, while their bottom housings share similarities. The Grape Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enables a more resonant auditory experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sky V4 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while not focusing on sound clarity in the same way, is praised for its smoothness, strength, and durability. While both materials enhance the overall performance of their respective switches, their distinct characteristics influence the sound profile in contrasting ways.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This common choice indicates an underlying similarity between the two models, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it helps absorb sound more effectively than stiffer materials, leading to a rounder auditory experience when typing. Despite the differences in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Grape Orange and POK for the Sky V4—the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users of both switches will encounter a certain level of sound absorption and depth during use. This parallel shows how the bottom housing's qualities play a crucial role in shaping user experience.

Ultimately, the characteristics of the top and bottom housings interact to define the overall typing experience of each switch. With the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top providing sharpness and clarity while the nylon bottom enriches sound depth, and the Sky V4’s POK top material excelling in smoothness and durability, users can expect unique yet somewhat comparable sound profiles. The commonality in nylon bottom housings ensures a round and nuanced finish to each keystroke on both switches, even as the top housings contribute their distinctive influences, making both models appealing depending on individual preferences.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which may influence user preference depending on typing and gaming habits. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a softer feel for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming periods. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced, substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Grape Orange is the lighter switch overall, while the Sky V4 offers a bit more resistance, providing different feedback and experiences for users based on their individual needs.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys. This equal distance ensures that users will experience the same amount of key travel, resulting in a consistent feel across both switches. Whether you're gaming or typing, both switches will deliver the same responsiveness due to their identical travel distance. Thus, the choice between the two may come down to factors other than travel distance, as they will yield similar results in terms of feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is characterized by a relatively quiet profile, which enhances its appeal for those seeking a softer acoustic experience while typing. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where sound can be a concern. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch delivers a thocky sound signature, providing a deeper and more resonant auditory feedback. This low-pitched sound creates a rich typing experience that some users find satisfying, offering an engaging auditory experience that complements its smooth linear action. While the Grape Orange leans towards a muted soundscape, the Sky V4 embraces a fuller acoustic presence.

Regarding feel, the Grape Orange switch provides an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience thanks to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions, as users can type quickly without experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a smooth linear feel, though specific tactile feedback details are not provided. The combination of the innovative POK material in its construction might lend itself to a distinct sensation during both key press and release, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience. While the Grape Orange excels in lightness, the Sky V4 appears designed for a smooth yet potentially more substantial tactile interaction.

In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. If an extremely light typing experience is prioritized, the Huano Grape Orange will serve well, while those who favor a deeper sound and a smooth feel could gravitate towards the Dareu Sky V4. Ultimately, users can expect unique yet enjoyable typing experiences with either switch, making them both valuable choices depending on the desired attributes for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches, you should consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a light and effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice thanks to its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and overall lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes it particularly suitable for those who prioritize quick key presses and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a rich auditory feedback with a satisfying thocky sound signature, the Sky V4 might be the better option. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams and the unique POK material in its design, the Sky V4 provides a deeper sound profile along with a smooth linear action that typists may find fulfilling. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a lighter touch for effortless typing or a somewhat more tactile experience with a pleasing sound, as both switches cater to different aspects of user satisfaction.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more