KTT Orange vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Orange switch is renowned for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch provides a smooth and refined key travel thanks to its excellent factory-lubing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that pairs well with its smooth linear action. With a thocky feel and a satisfying typing experience, this switch is ideal for those looking for a neutral yet bouncy switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V4, we can see that both switches prioritize different aspects of sound and feel. The Orange's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Sky V4's POK top and nylon bottom housing contribute to a smoother and clacky sound. This highlights a key difference between the two switches - the Orange emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the Sky V4 focuses on smoothness and durability. However, both materials offer distinct advantages in terms of sound quality, with polycarbonate providing a higher-pitched tone and POK offering a deeper and fuller sound.

Despite their differences, both the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V4 utilize advanced materials in their housing design. The polycarbonate used in the Orange's housing is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POK material in the Sky V4's top housing offers exceptional smoothness and durability, surpassing other materials like Nylon and POM in wear and shock resistance. While the Orange may excel in creating a sharper sound, the Sky V4 prioritizes a smoother typing experience, showcasing the diverse range of qualities that housing materials can bring to mechanical switches.

In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to recognize how the top and bottom housing materials interact to create a cohesive typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on bottom-out sound and feel, are just as crucial as those of the top housing, which influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Orange's polycarbonate housing may provide a sharper sound on both ends, the combination of POK and nylon in the Sky V4 allows for a balance between smoothness and durability throughout the typing process. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, showcasing the diverse array of options available in the mechanical keyboard market.

Weight

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch share similar characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them ideal for users who prefer a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. While the Sky V4 is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, the Orange requires slightly less force to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more tactile typing experience, both the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky V4 offer a combination of comfort and responsiveness.

Travel distance

The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Dareu Sky V4. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, providing users with a quick and precise typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched profile that creates a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a deeper and more thocky sound signature, delivering a rich and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Orange leaning towards a smoother and low-pitched tone, while the Sky V4 delivers a deeper and more satisfying sound profile. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap material.

Moving on to the feel, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its 22mm long spring and factory-lubed components. Typists can expect a lively and effortless keypress that minimizes resistance and maximizes smoothness. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch also offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the Orange emphasizing a slick and frictionless feel, and the Sky V4 focusing on a bouncy and lively tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the KTT Orange and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a low-pitched and smooth sound profile like the Orange or a deeper and more thocky sound like the Sky V4, both switches deliver a high level of quality and performance. Additionally, the bouncy and tactile feel of both switches ensures that typists can enjoy a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making either switch a great choice for those looking for a premium mechanical keyboard switch option. Ultimately, choosing between the KTT Orange and Dareu Sky V4 switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that you'll get a similar level of quality and satisfaction with either option.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the following factors. Choose the KTT Orange if you prefer a switch with a bouncy feel, low-pitched sound profile, and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. The Orange switch stands out for its unique features such as the milky top housing and vivid orange bottom housing, offering a refined and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Dareu Sky V4 if you appreciate a switch with a thocky sound, neutral feel, and bouncy feedback. The Sky V4 switch's use of POK material in its top housing provides a rich sound signature and smooth linear action, making it a satisfying choice for typists. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more