Outemu Cream Blue vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Dareu Sky V3 offer unique experiences for users. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click with each key press. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch, praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While the Cream Blue is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Sky V3 is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and refined typing feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Dareu Sky V3, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3 showcases a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic makeup. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing's clear and resonant sound.
Moreover, when examining the bottom housing of these switches, it becomes apparent that both the Cream Blue and the Sky V3 utilize nylon for this component. This choice of material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the softer plastic's sound-absorbing properties. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, their overall sound profiles may still vary due to the differences in their top housings. The Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing may work in tandem with its nylon top housing to produce a consistent and rounded sound experience, while the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing could complement its polycarbonate top housing's crisp and clear sound signature.
In considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of a switch, it is crucial to recognize how the qualities of each housing material are distributed. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when a key is released. While the Cream Blue and Sky V3 may differ in their housing materials, their overall performance and sound characteristics are likely to reflect the unique properties of their respective nylon and polycarbonate components.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, and the bottom out force is unknown. The Cream Blue offers a medium-heavy typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. In contrast, the Sky V3 provides a lighter typing experience, which is suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. Both switches serve their purpose well, offering different weight options for various preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, it can be observed that both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of the distance required to actuate the key. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and performance. Despite some other differences in their design and functionality, the travel distance of these switches remains the same, ensuring that users will not feel a significant variation in this particular aspect when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its loud, satisfying click sound that many enthusiasts enjoy for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound profile, offering a more subdued and gentle typing experience that is suitable for various settings. While the Cream Blue provides a more pronounced and clicky sound, the Sky V3 offers a quieter and more versatile option that can cater to a wider range of users.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and clicky feedback, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle actuation force, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. The Sky V3's mild characteristics ensure that typing on this switch is smooth and consistent, catering to a broader audience who may prefer a more subtle feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue provides a loud and tactile typing experience with its clicky feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it a versatile option for a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches are well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your preference for key weight and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy key press and are looking for a switch that offers a clicky sound for that satisfying tactile feedback, the Cream Blue would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lightweight key press and a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing preferences, the Sky V3 would be the better option. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
