Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The MX Silent Red stands out for its silent operation, similar to the MX Red but with a quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch utilizes POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that enhances its smooth linear action, offering a rich typing experience. While the MX Silent Red is praised for its muted and low-pitched feel, the Sky V4 is known for its bouncy and satisfying typing sensation. Both switches have their strengths and are suited for different preferences, so it's important to delve deeper to determine which one would best suit your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique characteristics that affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sky V4's POK top housing boasts a smooth and clacky sound, along with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the POK material in the Sky V4 offers a higher coefficient of friction and superior shock resistance compared to the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4 feature nylon materials that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Despite the identical bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience may vary slightly between the two switches due to differences in other components such as stem material or spring mechanism. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile that emphasizes a deeper and fuller typing experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4 may have different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound, durability, and typing feel.
Weight
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, they differ when it comes to bottom out force. The Cherry MX Silent Red switch has an unknown bottom out force, while the Dareu Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The difference in bottom out force may provide a slightly different typing experience for users, with the Sky V4 offering a bit more resistance when fully pressed. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Silent Red, while those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Dareu Sky V4. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect how the keys feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better option due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more sensitive and responsive key press, the Dareu Sky V4 with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter mechanical keyboard without sacrificing the satisfying sound signature associated with mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch provides a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound profile, giving typists a deep and rich typing experience that complements its smooth linear action. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, with the MX Silent Red being tailored for a quieter environment and the Sky V4 offering a unique sound signature thanks to its innovative POK material.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a slightly textured feel, providing a bit of friction when pressed compared to smoother switches. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving typists a spring-like feedback and a lively feel when typing. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the MX Silent Red providing a subtle texture while the Sky V4 offers a more elastic rebound sensation.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Dareu Sky V4 switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Silent Red is designed for a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile and textured feel, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its deep thocky sound and bouncy sensation. Typists looking for a quieter switch with a slightly textured feel may prefer the MX Silent Red, while those seeking a unique sound signature and a bouncy typing experience may opt for the Dareu Sky V4. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, then the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound signature and innovative material in its top housing, then the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a unique sound profile with a smooth linear action. Both switches have their strengths, so consider your preferences and typing environment before making your final choice.
Mentioned in this article
