Cherry MX Black vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself considering the Cherry MX Black and the Dareu Sky V3, both of which are linear switches. The Cherry MX Black is renowned for its iconic status and smooth texture, providing a deep sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a comfortable and precise typing experience. The MX Black is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff', while the Sky V3 falls under 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild'. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of the housing materials, the Cherry MX Black and the Dareu Sky V3 provide contrasting experiences when it comes to sound profile. The MX Black's nylon top and bottom housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that allows for a clear and resonant sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer either a duller and rounder sound (MX Black) or a more clear and sharp sound (Sky V3).
Despite their differences, both the MX Black and Sky V3 share the use of nylon in their bottom housing. This commonality means that users can expect a similar deep and fuller sound profile when pressing down on the keys, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. However, the distinct difference lies in their top housing materials, with the MX Black featuring nylon while the Sky V3 boasts polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing material results in differing sound profiles when releasing a key, with the MX Black offering a deeper and fuller sound and the Sky V3 providing a sharper and crisper sound.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the Dareu Sky V3 housing materials ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience. The MX Black's nylon housing materials cater to those who enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Sky V3's polycarbonate housing materials are ideal for those seeking a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with a personalized typing experience tailored to their auditory preferences. Ultimately, whether a user chooses the MX Black or the Sky V3, they can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch. The MX Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate a key and 80 grams to bottom out, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Sky V3 only needs 40 grams of force to actuate a key, with the bottom out force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 makes it more suitable for users looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press weight and the overall typing feel desired.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of key travel. The travel distance plays a crucial role in typing or gaming experience as it determines how far you need to press down on a key before it registers an input. In this case, users can expect consistent and uniform key travel with either switch, resulting in a reliable typing or gaming experience. Overall, the Cherry MX Black and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer similar key travel distances, ensuring that users will get comparable results when using either switch.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched and familiar deep tone when typing, perfect for those who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a moderate sound profile with a dampened effect. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff characteristics, providing users with a noticeable friction and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out the keys. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Those who enjoy a smoother and friction-free typing experience may prefer the textured feel of the MX Black switch.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and Dareu Sky V3 switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Black provides a low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel, the Sky V3 offers a neutral, subdued sound and mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches will deliver reliable performance and durability for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Cherry MX Black linear switches and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a smoother, textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a more neutral sound signature and a lighter touch, the Dareu Sky V3 switches could be more suitable. Additionally, the Sky V3 switches offer a more mild typing experience that caters to a wider range of users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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