KTT Orange vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches like the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V3, you are presented with two intriguing options to consider. The KTT Orange switch is praised for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch stands out for its neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and ability to provide both comfort and precision, appealing to a wide range of typing 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
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V3 are quite similar in terms of their top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switches. This common material choice ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic experience with both the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V3 switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of sharper and clearer sound profiles. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This diversity in bottom housing material allows users to choose between a crisper sound with the Orange switch or a deeper sound with the Sky V3 switch, depending on their preferences.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and either polycarbonate or nylon bottom housing in the KTT Orange and Dareu Sky V3 switches provides a unique sound experience for users. The top housing material influences the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing material impacts the sound when keys are pressed down. This split in housing materials allows for a versatile typing experience, with the KTT Orange offering a brighter sound profile throughout and the Dareu Sky V3 providing a more subdued and fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound profiles while maintaining a consistent aesthetic appeal with their use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Orange switch has a higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Orange switch is also higher at 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. The Orange switch provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Sky V3's typing experience is unavailable for comparison. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sky V3 due to its lower actuation force, while users who prefer a slightly heavier touch may opt for the KTT Orange switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Orange switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sky V3 switch. The Orange switch's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sky V3 switch's 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so users should consider their preferences before making a choice between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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.
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 KTT Orange linear switch is best known for its low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound signature, making it suitable for various typing preferences and environments. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to distinct user preferences. Additionally, the sound produced also depends on factors like the keyboard build and keycap material used, so it's essential to consider these aspects when choosing a switch based on sound preference.
When it comes to the typing feel, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback and an extremely smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users with its gentle feel. While the Orange switch offers a lively and elastic sensation during typing, the Sky V3 switch provides a more approachable and comfortable typing experience that suits most users' preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, while the Sky V3 switch offers a neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. Additionally, both switches are designed to deliver precision and comfort, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as they both aim to provide optimal performance and versatility.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a bouncy feel with a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature with a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, the Dareu Sky V3 switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what qualities are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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