Haimu Orange Sea vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite being similar in their linear design. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who seek a straightforward and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its innovative POK material in the top housing, which not only enhances durability but also provides a deeper, more resonant sound signature that many typists find satisfying and rich. While the Orange Sea appeals to users looking for a refined yet unobtrusive experience, the Sky V4 caters to those who prefer a thocky, low-pitched response that adds character to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$2.79 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V4, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness enables the creation of a clearer and more resonant sound when typing, making it an excellent choice for users looking for bright auditory feedback. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making the Orange Sea particularly visually appealing when illuminated. In contrast, the Sky V4 opts for POK material, known for its smoothness and exceptional durability. The POK’s higher coefficient of friction results in a notably slicker feel, while its wear resistance greatly surpasses that of other materials, contributing to a long-lasting and reliable performance. While both materials serve the purpose of enhancing the typing experience, their distinct acoustic properties and durability metrics set them apart.

Interestingly, both the Orange Sea and the Sky V4 utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality brings a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon tends to absorb sound due to its softer composition. Consequently, both switches will deliver a rounder auditory feedback that appeals to users who prefer a softer typing experience. The shared use of nylon ensures that regardless of the differing top housings, users will still encounter a similar depth of sound when bottoming out the keys. This provides a balanced blend of auditory experience; the high, crisp sound from the polycarbonate or POK top housings contrasts nicely with the deeper tones generated by the nylon bottoms.

In summary, the combination of differing top and consistent bottom housing materials in both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V4 results in a unique typing experience for each switch while retaining some similarities. Those who favor a brighter sound profile and enhanced RGB lighting may lean towards the Orange Sea due to its polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, users seeking a super smooth and durable experience will appreciate the Sky V4’s POK material. Ultimately, while the upper characteristics may vary significantly, the common nylon bottoms effectively unify the two switches through their shared acoustic properties, delivering an equally satisfying, though distinct, typing experience.

Weight

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying typing preferences. The Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, perfect for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light push that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. This means that if one prefers a lighter switch for decreased finger fatigue, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice, while those seeking a stronger tactile feedback would gravitate towards the Dareu Sky V4. Overall, the key comparison highlights that the Orange Sea is lighter and designed for comfort, while the Sky V4 provides a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar feel when pressing down on a key. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of depth and responsiveness across both switches. With both switches offering the same measurement, players and typists can choose either option without worrying about differences in travel distance affecting their performance or comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature. This means it offers a balanced auditory experience, making it versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch has a deeper and more distinctive sound due to its thocky quality, producing a rich "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed. This low-pitched output is appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, although it might not be as discreet as the Orange Sea's neutral tone.

Regarding the tactile feel, the Orange Sea switch is notably smooth, providing an excellent typing experience with minimal resistance. This characteristic makes it ideal for long typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, the Sky V4 sets itself apart with a bouncy feel, delivering a lively, spring-like feedback with each key press. This rebound action can engage typists, enhancing the overall sensation while typing, although it may differ in tactile response compared to the unmistakably smooth feel of the Orange Sea.

In conclusion, while both the Haimu Orange Sea and Dareu Sky V4 switches deliver appealing qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Orange Sea offers a neutral and smooth typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize subtlety, while the Sky V4 presents a rich, thocky sound coupled with bouncy feedback for those who enjoy a more dynamic experience. Your choice between these switches will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both options promise satisfying results for any keyboard enthusiast.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a seamless, smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent option, especially if you’re a casual typist or a gamer who enjoys quick key presses with minimal effort. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a deeper, more satisfying sound, along with a slightly firmer tactile feedback thanks to its bounciness, the Dareu Sky V4 could be your go-to choice. Its medium-light actuation force helps strike a balance between ease of use and a more dynamic typing experience, catering well to both casual and more serious typists. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the specific sensations and acoustics you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more