HMX Gravel vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the HMX Gravel and the Dareu Sky V4. The Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that caters to users seeking a responsive and effortless typing experience. Its design ensures that every keystroke feels satisfying and fluid. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 brings a unique twist to the table with the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. This results in a deeper sound signature that not only complements its smooth linear action but also provides a rich, 'thocky' acoustic experience, making it appealing to those who favor a more tactile feedback. While both switches promise smooth performance, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a lighter actuation and fluidity or a deeper sound and more textured 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

HMX Gravel Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the top housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Dareu Sky V4, we find significant differences in composition and resulting acoustic properties. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and clear sound output. This material's stiffer nature enhances the switch's ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback during typing. Furthermore, the polycarbonate's translucent quality allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding both aesthetic appeal and functionality for those who utilize illuminated setups. Conversely, the Sky V4's top housing is made from POK, a polyketone known for its exceptional smoothness and strength. While it contributes to a clacky sound that some users might favor, the key distinction lies in the tactile experience it offers; the POK material's properties lead to a distinct feel that contrasts with the sharper tones of polycarbonate.

In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Gravel and Dareu Sky V4 utilize nylon, which presents a notable point of similarity between the two switches. Nylon as a bottom housing material provides a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This shared characteristic means that both switches will deliver a wooden, rounded sound when bottomed out, promoting a consistent auditory experience. While the top housings offer different tonal qualities, the nylon bottoms in both designs ensure users will appreciate a harmonious depth in sound when typing, reinforcing a cohesive performance across both offerings.

Ultimately, when combining the top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile and feel of each switch are a blend of the materials used in each section. For instance, while the Gravel's polycarbonate top housing may produce sharper highs, the nylon bottom ensures that the lows remain warm and round. The Dareu Sky V4 offers a similar balance, with the POK top contributing sharper clacky sounds paired with the mellower, deeper tones from the nylon bottom. While the materials are diverse, the resulting auditory and tactile experiences can be similar, as both switches capitalize on the contrasting properties of their respective housings to achieve a well-rounded sound profile and a satisfying typing experience overall. This interplay between materials demonstrates how users can achieve desired results in terms of feel and sound using different compositions in switch design.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent keystroke feel that can appeal to users prioritizing a lighter touch. However, the Gravel switch has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Sky V4's bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches are set to actuate at the same force, the Gravel offers a lighter overall feel when fully pressed down, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where a quick release is beneficial. In contrast, the Sky V4, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Thus, the HMX Gravel is the lighter option overall, while the Dareu Sky V4 caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the Gravel exhibits a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sky V4 has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Sky V4 is the longer switch, offering a depth that may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback when pressing down a key. Conversely, the Gravel, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers seeking agility during gameplay. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides snappier keystrokes, the Gravel would be the better choice, while the Sky V4 may be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced keystroke sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the HMX Gravel switch offers an unknown auditory quality, which leaves its acoustic profile to be explored further. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 is known for its thocky, deep sound signature that delivers a rich and satisfying acoustic response when typing. This switch is described as low-pitched, enhancing the overall experience with a bass-heavy tone that provides a soft and comforting auditory feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a more immersive typing atmosphere. The neutral sound profile of the Sky V4 also makes it versatile for a variety of settings, maintaining a pleasant balance suitable for both casual and professional use.

Regarding tactile feel, the Gravel switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, but specific characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch is characterized by its bouncy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback upon pressing keys. This elasticity can make for a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, providing a sense of rebound that many typists appreciate. While the Gravel promises a smooth operation, the Sky V4 adds an invigorating liveliness to each keystroke, which may influence your preference depending on your typing style.

In summary, while the HMX Gravel switch excels in smoothness and a light actuation force, offering an effortless typing experience, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out with its thocky sound and bouncy feel that can create a lively engagement during use. If you value a refined and smooth typing experience, the Gravel may suit you well, whereas if you enjoy auditory depth and a responsive tactile feedback, the Sky V4 could be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your choice may depend on the importance of sound versus tactile response in your individual typing experience, as both switches cater to different aspects of keyboard enjoyment.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience, the Gravel's bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it a fantastic option, especially for those who spend extended hours typing. Its refined feel lends itself well to both casual typing and fast-paced gaming where quick responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a deeper and more thocky sound profile, the Sky V4 is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, it delivers a bouncier feedback and a rich auditory sensation that can enhance your overall typing experience. This switch may also appeal to users who appreciate a bit more resistance, providing a more grounded typing feel. Thus, if sound quality and a responsive bounce are important to you, the Sky V4 could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what aspects are most important to your keyboard experience before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more