KTT Lightning vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Lightning is a linear switch that is perfect for gaming, providing a speedy response time that can make all the difference in crucial moments. With a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, it is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Chirpy', 'Subtle', 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 also boasts a linear design but stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy', the Sky V4 offers a rich and satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and Dareu Sky V4 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the Sky V4's POK top housing offers a smoother typing experience, with exceptional durability and shock resistance. In contrast, the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting effects. While both materials create clear and resonant sound profiles, the POK material stands out for its superior smoothness and strength compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Lightning and Sky V4 utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches demonstrates a classic choice for switch housing material, providing a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile. While the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both materials in overall switch performance.
Overall, the KTT Lightning and Dareu Sky V4 differ in their choice of top housing material, with the Lightning opting for polycarbonate and the Sky V4 utilizing POK. While both materials contribute to clear and resonant sound profiles, the POK material in the Sky V4 offers superior smoothness and durability compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The combination of these housing materials in each switch highlights the intricate balance between sound profile, smoothness, and durability in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning is the lighter option. The Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Sky V4 may be the better option. Overall, the Lightning provides a lighter touch, while the Sky V4 offers a slightly heavier feel, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming sessions. This makes it easy to choose between the two based on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Lightning has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sky V4. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may prefer the Lightning switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sky V4 with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and percussive, making it suitable for those who prefer a crisp and bright auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and satisfying, offering a more rich and bass-heavy acoustic experience. Both switches deliver distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lightning leaning towards a snappy and clacky noise, while the Sky V4 offers a deeper and more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a subtle and polished typing experience, with a gentle resistance and smooth key travel that results in a slick and refined feel while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a bouncy sensation with elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound effect when pressed. These differences in tactile feedback highlight the Lightning's more subtle and polished typing experience compared to the Sky V4's bouncy and responsive feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Lightning excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a subtle and polished typing feel, perfect for those seeking a snappy and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out with its thocky and low-pitched sound signature, coupled with a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation that delivers a rich and satisfying typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference in sound and feel, ensuring that users will achieve a tailored typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Lightning linear switch or the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, you should opt for the Lightning if you prioritize speed and quick reaction times, as it has a light bottom out force of 50 grams. The Lightning switch also offers a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, which can be appealing for those looking for a sharp and snappy keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action, the Dareu Sky V4 switch with its POK material in the top housing might be the better choice for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, the Sky V4 provides a rich and satisfying typing experience with a thocky sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and priorities, whether it be speed or sound and feel.
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