Outemu Gold vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Dareu Sky V3 are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch, celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a smooth keystroke without the audible click. The Gold switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a satisfying clicky sound while typing, whereas the Sky V3 switch could be ideal for individuals looking for a quieter and more subtle typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Gold and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate colorful lighting effects into their keyboards.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing materials, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience for users. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches helps to create a more satisfying typing sound and feel, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Gold and Dareu Sky V3 switches differ, with polycarbonate used for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. By combining these different materials, both switches are able to achieve a unique sound profile that enhances the typing experience for users.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch with an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Gold requires 60 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Sky V3. The Gold switch provides a more substantial typing experience with the heavier bottom out force, while the Sky V3 offers a lighter actuation force for those who prefer a gentler touch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent distance traveled between the top and bottom positions. This similarity in travel distance ensures a similar typing experience regardless of which switch is used. The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer a comfortable and consistent key press experience with their identical travel distances, allowing users to enjoy a smooth typing experience with either option.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for providing a satisfying click with each key press, offering a distinct auditory feedback that some users find highly enjoyable. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature, which is not overly loud or obtrusive, making it a versatile option that can be used in various environments without causing disturbance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Gold offering a more tactile and audible experience, while the Sky V3 provides a more subtle and unassuming sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold switch is known for its tactile feedback and satisfying actuation force, giving users a responsive typing experience that some find very satisfying. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with a gentle keypress that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. This makes the Sky V3 switches approachable to a wide range of users, providing a comfortable typing feel without any extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold switch provides a satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Gold switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a moderate actuation force and a subtle sound profile, the Dareu Sky V3 switch would be more appropriate. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and needs to enhance your overall typing experience.
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