Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V4, both of which are linear switches. The Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide is renowned for its clacky, high-pitched sound profile and silky typing experience. Featuring a unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, these switches add a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch by Dareu stands out for its utilization of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. This switch offers a rich and satisfying typing experience with a thocky and bouncy feel. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V4, we can see that both switches utilize high-quality materials to enhance their performance. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a clacky and resilient switch. While both materials excel in different aspects, they ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing its crisp and resonant sound profile. This aligns with the top housing to ensure a consistent sound experience throughout typing. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The different bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, showcasing how material choice can influence typing feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V4 comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on a sharper, crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing, the Sky V4 aims for a smoother and clackier typing experience with its POK and nylon housing combination. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Whether you prioritize a high-pitched sound or a deep, full sound, both switches deliver in their own distinct ways.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier touch. With an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, it falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. While both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial feel due to its slightly heavier forces, which some users may find more satisfying. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Sky V4 would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dareu Sky V4. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a crisp and sharp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is noted for its thocky and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deeper and more bass-heavy tone. Depending on your preference for sound, the Lightning Silver V3 will give you a bright and percussive typing experience, while the Sky V4 will offer a richer and more satisfying sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is recognized for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a seamless and effortless feel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 will offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless experience, while the Sky V4 will give you a more dynamic and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky and low-pitched sound with a bouncy and responsive typing feel, the Sky V4 would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper thocky sound with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a bouncy feel, then the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your preference in sound, feel, and actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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