PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch are both popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each offering unique features to enhance the typing experience. The Jacaranda is known for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and reducing typing fatigue. With a clacky sound signature and an extended 22mm spring for a bouncy sensation, it provides a satisfying and crisp feedback with every press. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature to complement its smooth linear action. Described as 'Thocky', it offers a rich typing experience with a bouncy feel. While the Jacaranda excels in clacky feedback, and a bouncy sensation, the Sky V4 provides a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action. 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
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Dareu Sky V4 lies in the top housing material. The Jacaranda uses a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. While both materials have their strengths, polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, while POK focuses on smoothness and durability. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences in switch typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Jacaranda and the Sky V4 utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. While the top housing material may influence the sharpness and durability of the switches, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound depth and resonance.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Dareu Sky V4 ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Sky V4's POK top housing focuses on smoothness and durability. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing that brings depth and fullness to the sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a smoother, clackier typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard typing.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Jacaranda also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sky V4 has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Jacaranda more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier Sky V4. Both switches provide different tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant in terms of performance, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Dareu Sky V4, while those who prefer a slightly shallower press may choose the PH Studio Jacaranda. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with a responsive and efficient typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and resonant experience, characterized by sharp and crisp feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving off a deep and satisfying sound when typing. If you prefer a sharper and more percussive sound, the Jacaranda would be the way to go, while the Sky V4 offers a richer and more bass-heavy auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is known for its silky smooth typing sensation, providing an exceptionally smooth experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy feel, giving keys a spring-like feedback that adds a lively touch to typing. If you prefer a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the Jacaranda would be the optimal choice, while the Sky V4 provides a more dynamic and rebounding feel.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Jacaranda provides a clacky sound and a silky smooth typing feel, the Sky V4 delivers a thocky sound with a bouncy key response. Depending on your preference for sound and typing sensation, either switch would provide a different yet equally satisfying experience for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to various typing preferences, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a light bottom-out force and a unique bouncy sensation, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch would be a great choice for you. Its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g and clacky sound signature make for a fatigue-free and audible typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and a moderate-light bottom-out force, the Dareu Sky V4 switch with its POK material in the top housing would be a suitable option. The Sky V4 offers a thocky sound and a bouncy feel, providing a rich and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom-out force, sound, and feel.
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