Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky V4 can significantly influence your typing experience. The Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, is highly regarded for its pronounced feedback, delivering a satisfying and responsive feel that typists appreciate, especially for those who prefer the comforting sensation of a tactile bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 sets itself apart with its innovative POK material in the top housing, enabling a smooth linear action that produces a deeper, thocky sound profile. This not only enhances the typing experience but also makes it ideal for users who favor quiet and fluid keystrokes without tactile interruptions. While the Crystal Brown offers a more engaged typing experience favored by typists, the Sky V4 caters to those seeking a seamless and quieter workflow. 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 V4 Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky V4, one notable difference is the material used for the top housing. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is mainly due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear resonance during key presses. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, ensuring that colors can shine through effectively. In contrast, the Sky V4 uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while also designed for optimal sound, offers a smooth typing experience due to its low friction coefficient and high durability. The contrast lies in the tonal qualities that each material brings; the polycarbonate provides a brighter and sharper sound, while POK leans towards creating a smoother, clacky feedback.

On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which presents a point of comparison where they align closely. Nylon is celebrated for its softness, leading to a fuller and richer sound profile as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both the Crystal Brown and the Sky V4 means that users can expect a similar deeper sound signature when bottoming out keys, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience. Although the top housing materials offer different auditory characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing helps to balance the sound profile, providing a more resonant and muted bass quality regardless of the top material utilized.

Ultimately, the differing materials for the top housings create unique sound profiles for the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky V4. The polycarbonate top contributes a clarity and brightness to the sound in contrast to the smoother response of the POK material. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which creates a foundation for a deep, full sound regardless of the variances above. Therefore, while the switches may provide distinct auditory experiences when pressed, the combination of materials results in a well-rounded performance that reflects the attributes of both housings effectively.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we find that both switches share identical specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces. Both have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing them as medium-light options. This equivalency in specifications means that users can expect similar responsiveness and typing experiences from both switches. For those who prefer a lighter feel, such as casual typists or gamers in need of longer sessions without fatigue, either switch would serve well due to their low actuation force. Conversely, those who favor a stronger tactile feedback might find these options less satisfying, as they are not on the heavier side of switch preferences.Overall, since their forces are the same, users can choose based on the tactile vs. linear characteristics without worry about weight difference.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Crystal Brown provides a more pronounced depth, making it a favorable choice for users who appreciate a heftier feel to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Sky V4’s 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker key presses, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. The difference in travel distances highlights a choice between a more tactile, deeper experience with the Crystal Brown and the snappier, more responsive feel of the Sky V4. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a traditional sensation with greater feedback, the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown may be preferable, whereas the shorter Sky V4 might suit those desiring swifter actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch and the Dareu Sky V4 switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Sky V4 is known for its thocky, low-pitched sound, producing a deep and satisfying “thud” with each keypress, making it quite enjoyable for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. This neutral tone is versatile as it caters to various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Crystal Brown are not detailed, leaving it open to interpretation or unknown qualities. It’s important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out with its bouncy sensation, offering an elastic feedback that makes typing feel lively and responsive. This springy characteristic can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a more dynamic touch. Conversely, the feel of the Crystal Brown switch remains unspecified, so its tactile feedback and overall typing experience cannot be compared directly. This unknown aspect poses a challenge for potential users trying to gauge how it may differ from linear switches like the Sky V4, which provides clear tactile and dynamic feedback.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown switch leaves room for speculation regarding its sound and feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switch makes a strong impression with its thocky sound and bouncy feel. For those considering these switches, the Sky V4 clearly caters to a more engaging sound and typing experience, while the Crystal Brown remains an unknown quantity. Ultimately, when selecting a switch, tactile feedback and sound characteristics will play crucial roles in decision-making, and those who prioritize these features may find more satisfaction in the Sky V4’s offering.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a satisfying bump as you type, the Crystal Brown might be your best choice, especially if you're looking for a balance of feedback without excessive resistance. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience, particularly when working in shared or competitive environments, the Dareu Sky V4 offers an appealing option with its linear action and deeper thocky sound. The Sky V4's POK material also adds to the overall experience, providing a unique soft and bouncy feel that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. In essence, if you want a more traditional tactile response for typing or casual use, go for the Crystal Brown; but if you seek a modern, fast, and enjoyable typing experience with an emphasis on sound and smoothness, the Dareu Sky V4 aligns perfectly with those needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more