Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can profoundly impact your typing experience, and two popular options in this realm are the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Dareu Sky V3. The Outemu Dustproof Blue switch stands out with its clicky feedback, providing a nostalgic typing experience often favored by those who enjoy audible confirmation with each keystroke. Its distinct sound can enhance the writing experience, particularly for touch typists who appreciate a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it ideal for diverse typing preferences. This switch offers a smoother and quieter typing experience, garnering praise from both enthusiasts and professionals for its balance of comfort and precision. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on your personal typing style and noise preferences; while the Dustproof Blue caters to those who love a pronounced click, the Sky V3 appeals to those who prefer a more subdued and uninterrupted flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Blue and Dareu Sky V3 switches share a significant similarity in their top housing material, both employing polycarbonate. This choice of material plays a crucial role in the acoustic profile of the switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The fundamental characteristics of polycarbonate stem from its relative stiffness, allowing for greater resonance and clarity when a key is pressed. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a perfect choice for switches that accommodate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal without compromising sound quality. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory experiences when engaging the top housing of either switch.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a material traditionally known for its sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition, which dampens the sound more effectively than harder plastics. While the top housings of both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and Dareu Sky V3 contribute to the high-frequency sounds produced during key releases, the distinct tonal characteristics brought by the nylon bottom housing provide a counterbalance, making the overall acoustic signature of both switches versatile and well-rounded. Consequently, while both switches share a similar construction method, the nuanced auditory experiences differ when pressing down and releasing a key.

In summary, the combination of polycarbonate for the tops and nylon for the bottoms in both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and Dareu Sky V3 switches yields a multifaceted sound profile. The polycarbonate tops enhance the clarity and bright tones during key releases, while the nylon bottoms contribute to darker, more muted sounds during key presses. This harmonious interplay between the materials illustrates how differing properties can be effectively balanced within a single switch, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. Thus, whether one favors the Outemu or Dareu, users can expect a satisfying auditory performance thanks to the carefully selected materials that govern each switch’s unique character.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Dustproof Blue features an actuation force of 50 grams, classified as medium-heavy, while the Sky V3 requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This distinction suggests that the Sky V3 may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Dustproof Blue has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer feel when striking the keys fully. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky V3 does not have an available bottom out force, leaving its overall tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. Consequently, users seeking a heftier typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Dustproof Blue due to its greater resistance, while those favoring a lighter switch can appreciate the Sky V3 for its lower actuation force. In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is the heavier switch, while the Dareu Sky V3 is lighter, allowing for different preferences in typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel, leading to similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. As a result, those who favor consistent travel distance in their keyboard switches will find both options equally suitable for their typing or gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has an undefined sound profile, which makes it challenging to characterize without specific descriptions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has earned a reputation for its neutral sound signature, providing a moderate actuation force that results in a soft sound when pressed. Its subdued nature allows it to produce a dampened sound that is not entirely silent but is much quieter than many other mechanical switches. This quality makes the Sky V3 versatile, suitable for both home and office environments where maintaining a low noise level is often desired.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Blue's characteristics are also not specifically detailed, leaving a gap in our understanding of its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sky V3 provides a mild typing experience. This gentleness makes it appealing to a broad range of users, as it creates a balanced and approachable typing feel that is not overwhelming. The smoothness allows for comfortable extended use without the strain that stiffer switches might cause, making it ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts seeking a refined typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue lacks specific sound and feel attributes that would help elucidate its performance, the Dareu Sky V3 shines through with its neutral sound and mild tactile feedback. For those looking for a versatile switch, the Sky V3 offers well-rounded qualities that cater to diverse preferences, making it a solid choice. Without clear qualities for the Dustproof Blue, it's challenging to establish a direct comparison, but its undefined nature suggests that users might find it either comparable or distinctly different based on personal experience and setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile and clicky feedback while typing, the Dustproof Blue is an excellent choice, especially if you’re looking for a more pronounced auditory experience in your keystrokes. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it may require more effort but can be satisfying for those who enjoy a responsive typing feel, particularly for creative tasks or programming. However, if you prefer a quieter and more versatile switch for both work and casual gaming environments, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch might be the better option for you. With its neutral and subdued sound profile and a mild feel, it's designed to accommodate various typing preferences without being overly loud, making it suitable for shared spaces or long hours of use. Ultimately, your choice will reflect not just your typing style but also where and how you plan to use your keyboard, so consider the context of your usage as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more