Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky V3 offer unique experiences for users. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump when pressed, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is a linear switch known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a popular choice among users looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience. These distinctions make both switches appealing in their own right. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky V3 feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that have RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sound experience when typing.

On the other hand, while both switches have a nylon bottom housing, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch differ slightly. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Despite the difference in materials, the nylon bottom housing in both the Crystal Brown and the Sky V3 contributes to a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile.

When considering the overall construction of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky V3, it is important to note how the qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the switch. The top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This division of housing materials ensures a balanced and dynamic typing experience for users of both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Crystal Brown is also higher at 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown. The Crystal Brown would provide a more tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier keypress compared to the Sky V3, which is lighter in comparison. This difference in force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience versus those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the overall typing feel and should be considered when choosing between these two switches.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel before the key actuates. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get consistent feedback and feel across both switches, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize uniformity in their typing experience. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is identical, providing users with a similar tactile feel regardless of which one they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the sound profile of the Crystal Brown is not well-known, while the Sky V3 is known for its neutral and subdued sound. The Dareu Sky V3 offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences, whether for beginners or professionals. The Crystal Brown's sound characteristics remain a mystery, so it is hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect.

When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown's tactile feedback is undefined, whereas the Dareu Sky V3 is described as providing a mild typing experience. A mild switch like the Sky V3 offers a gentler typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This gentle typing experience appeals to a wide range of users, as its qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone of comfortability.

Taking into consideration the information provided, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch seems to have a more well-defined reputation for neutral and subdued sound as well as a mild typing experience compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown switch. However, without detailed information on the Crystal Brown's sound and feel, it may be inferred that the Dareu Sky V3 would likely provide a more consistent and predictable performance in terms of both sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and sound profile.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a tactile feedback and medium-light actuation force, the Crystal Brown may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience with no bottom out force, the Dareu Sky V3 could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more