Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out with its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials, providing a creamy and lightweight feel with a slightly textured touch straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balance between comfort and precision that appeals to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Keygeek Raw is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Dareu Sky V3 is popular among professionals and enthusiasts alike for its comfort and precision. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky V3 switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which provides a balance of stiffness and flexibility for a versatile sound profile. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing is known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound due to its stiff nature. While both materials offer distinctive sound qualities, the Keygeek Raw's blend may provide a more well-rounded typing sound compared to the Sky V3's sharper profile.
On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offers a different typing experience than the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing. The blend of materials used in the Keygeek Raw switch results in a unique sound profile that is exclusive to this brand. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Sky V3 produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more exclusive and balanced sound while the Dareu Sky V3 provides a deeper and more rounded typing experience.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky V3 switches showcase how different materials can influence the sound profile, with the top housing impacting the release sound and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw's exclusive blends offer a balanced and versatile typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3's classic nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences and tastes in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a bottom-out force of 57.5 grams, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has an actuation force of 40 grams. The Keygeek Raw switch has a medium bottom-out force, making it a bit heavier than the Dareu Sky V3 in terms of actuation force. Both switches lack information about one of the forces, so it is difficult to directly compare them in terms of weight. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Keygeek Raw may be the preferred option with its slightly heavier bottom-out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Keygeek Raw offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 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, both the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing preferences and environments. However, the Sky V3 is noted to have a more subdued sound compared to the Raw, offering a quieter typing experience that may be preferred in shared spaces. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw is known for its textured and slightly resistant feel out of the box, providing a unique tactile experience that some enthusiasts may enjoy. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 offers a mild and gentle typing experience, which is approachable to most users looking for a comfortable and smooth feel while typing. Both switches fall within the middle ground of typing experiences, offering a balance between feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches share similarities in their neutral sound profile and mild typing experience, they differ in terms of sound intensity and initial feel. Both switches are suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts, offering a balance of comfort and precision in typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound intensity and tactile feel, with both options providing a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly textured and lightweight switch that you can hand-lube for a customized feel, then the Keygeek Raw may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a balance of comfort and precision, the Dareu Sky V3 could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Both switches offer a medium actuation force and a pleasant typing experience, so it's important to consider the unique features of each switch and how they align with your individual needs and preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky V3 depends on what you prioritize most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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