Cherry MX Brown vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Sky V4 stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 is a linear switch featuring innovative POK material in its top housing, leading to a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action for a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the MX Brown offers a textured and bassy typing experience, the Sky V4 is characterized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. If you value gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Sky V4 could be the ideal choice. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
The Cherry MX Brown and Dareu Sky V4 differ in their top housing materials, with the MX Brown using nylon and the Sky V4 utilizing POK. While both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, nylon is known for its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, POK is praised for its smoothness and exceptional durability, with wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM. The top housing material of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a different sound and feel compared to POK.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Cherry MX Brown and Dareu Sky V4 are made of nylon, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Both switches benefit from the softer properties of nylon, which absorb sound and create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether typing on the MX Brown or Sky V4, users can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with the nylon bottom housing. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, contributing to its overall tactile feedback.
In summary, the choice of housing material, whether nylon or POK, can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch. While the Cherry MX Brown and Dareu Sky V4 share similarities in their nylon bottom housings, the differences in their top housings highlight the unique characteristics of each switch. Nylon may offer a duller and rounder sound profile, while POK provides a smoother and clackier typing experience. Understanding the role of housing materials can help users decide which switch best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch are equal, with both having an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of the required force for key presses. The lighter weight of these switches makes them ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may find these switches to be on the lighter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Dareu Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Brown. The Cherry MX Brown, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a bit more depth and tactility when compared to the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Dareu Sky V4. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Dareu Sky V4 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more robust feel when typing may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched tones, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switches are described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound experience. While both switches lean towards a lower frequency range, the MX Brown switches have a more subdued audio feedback compared to the more pronounced sound signature of the Sky V4 switches. Ultimately, the sound of the switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard platform and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, Cherry MX Brown switches are noted for their subtle tactility which gives a textured feel when typing. Conversely, Dareu Sky V4 switches offer a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback when keys are pressed. While MX Brown switches offer a more understated tactile experience, the Sky V4 switches provide a livelier feel with a noticeable rebound effect when typing. Both switches offer a different tactile sensation that will cater to different preferences among users.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Dareu Sky V4 switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The MX Brown switches excel in subtlety with a light typing experience and gentler tactility, whereas the Sky V4 switches stand out with a deeper sound signature and a bouncy tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths that will appeal to users based on their personal preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and the overall typing experience they are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature and a bouncy, spring-like feedback sensation, the Sky V4 could be the switch that suits your preferences best. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and the type of sound and feel that enhances your overall typing experience.
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