Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and Dareu Sky V3 offer distinct options to suit different preferences. The Lime is praised for its unique features such as lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silence, making it an excellent choice for tactile fans seeking a light typing experience with a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are known for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a balance that caters to various typing preferences. While the Lime switch offers a feathery and subtle typing experience, the Sky V3 switch provides comfort and precision, appealing to both enthusiasts and professionals. 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
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Dareu Sky V3, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that typing on switches of both models will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the bottom housing of both switches will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of top housing material. The Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Sky V3 features a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Sky V3 results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing element to the switch design.
Overall, while the bottom housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Dareu Sky V3 are the same, their top housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. Typing on the Lime will offer a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon top housing, while typing on the Sky V3 will produce a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. These differences in housing materials give users the opportunity to choose a switch that aligns with their preferred sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Lime requires a lighter touch compared to the Sky V3. The Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sky V3 has an actuation force of 40 grams, with no information provided on its bottom out force. The Lime offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lime switch will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Sky V3. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Lime switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a more substantial feel may lean towards the Sky V3 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels more comfortable for individual users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most environments. The Lime switch is further described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, while the Sky V3 switch offers a subdued sound, providing a more dampened and subtle sound signature. Ultimately, the sound of these switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its mild, feathery, subtle, and polished qualities, offering a light and gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and precision, catering to a wide range of typing preferences.
Overall, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. While the Lime switch caters to tactile fans looking for a lightweight and silenced typing experience, the Sky V3 switch provides a medium-light weight option with a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, with the Lime switch emphasizing lightness and the Sky V3 switch providing a comfortable and accessible feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that align with your preferences. If you prioritize a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, along with a quieter sound profile, the Lime switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and a gentle typing experience that caters to diverse preferences, the Dareu Sky V3 switches would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience and sound profile you prefer, whether it be the distinctive tactility of the Lime or the comfortable feel of the Sky V3.
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