HMX Lotus vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Lotus and the Dareu Sky V4 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Lotus switch is characterized by its medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action that offers a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Lotus switch offers a bouncy feel, the Sky V4 switch provides a thocky, low-pitched experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Sky V4, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This means that in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, users can expect a similar experience between the two. However, while the Lotus uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing material. The POK material offers a smoother and clackier typing experience, as well as increased durability and shock resistance compared to nylon.
On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile that differs from the Sky V4's POK top housing. The POK material is smoother and creates a clackier sound, as well as being exceptionally strong and wear-resistant. This means that users of the Sky V4 can expect a more robust and tactile typing experience compared to the Lotus. However, both switches still share the characteristic of providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which can be attributed to the nylon material used in their bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Sky V4 plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a similar sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, the use of different top housing materials sets them apart. The Lotus offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon top housing, while the Sky V4 provides a smoother and clackier typing experience with its POK top housing. Ultimately, users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the initial force needed to register a key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two. The Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Sky V4 has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Lotus being the lighter option and the Sky V4 being the heavier option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Lotus linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference of 0.1mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but for those who have a preference for a slightly longer travel distance, the Sky V4 would be the better choice. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a slightly shorter keypress which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance, ensuring users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound, creating a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a deeper sound signature with a thocky quality that complements its smooth linear action, delivering a rich and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the bright and bouncy sound of the Lotus or the deep and thocky sound of the Sky V4 will depend on your personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Lotus is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a super responsive and elastic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 boasts a bouncy feel as well, offering a spring-like feedback that gives the keys a lively sensation with a rebound effect when pressed. Both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a responsive and dynamic typing feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus and Dareu Sky V4 offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer the bright and bouncy sound of the Lotus or the deep and thocky sound of the Sky V4, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switches from HMX may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams and a deeper, thocky sound signature due to the POK material in the top housing, then the Sky V4 switches could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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