Cherry MX Red vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a smooth linear action with a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Sky V4 is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own appeal, making it suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The MX Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Sky V4's POK top housing offers exceptional durability and a smooth typing experience, with wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance surpassing Nylon and POM. While both materials provide distinct advantages, the POK material of the Sky V4 stands out for its strength and smoothness.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Red and the Sky V4 utilize nylon material, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This similarity in material suggests that both switches may produce similar bottom-out sound and feel characteristics. However, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in influencing the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing typically impacts the sound when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Sky V4 housing materials ultimately depends on the desired typing experience. The MX Red's nylon housing offers a classic sound profile with its softer plastic composition, while the Sky V4's POK material provides a smoother and more durable typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or prioritize durability and smoothness, both housing materials contribute to the overall performance of these switches in unique ways. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials allow for a variety of typing preferences to be accommodated.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out force. The Cherry MX Red has a bottom out force that is unspecified, while the Dareu Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the Dareu Sky V4 will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the preferred option, whereas those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing may opt for the Dareu Sky V4. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The MX Red offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4, which may provide a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. Gamers who prefer a faster response time may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Sky V4, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the MX Red. Both switches offer a smooth linear response, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel and typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Cherry MX Red and Dareu Sky V4 switches are described as producing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that both switches offer a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for other factors, such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, which can also influence the overall sound produced.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its slightly textured feel, providing a tactile sensation with noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively rebound when keys are pressed. The decision between the two would come down to personal preference for either a more textured and tactile experience or a bouncier and more responsive feel.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a textured feel and deeper sound profile, the Sky V4 stands out with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a bouncy feel and smooth linear action. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for the specific sound and feel they desire in their typing experience. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience from either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, you should opt for the MX Red if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you are interested in a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature and innovative POK material in the top housing, the Sky V4 would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel when it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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