Outemu Milk Tea vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, there are distinct characteristics to consider. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its unique name and falls under the tactile switch category. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, bringing a rich and satisfying typing experience with a smooth linear action. While the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile feel, the Sky V4 switch provides a thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
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
The Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky V4 both utilize unique housing materials for their switches. The Milk Tea features a LY top housing, known for its bright sound signature and resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Sky V4 incorporates a POK top housing, which is smooth, clacky, and extremely durable, offering a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the LY providing a brighter sound and the POK offering a smooth and durable experience.
On the bottom housing side, both the Milk Tea and the Sky V4 opt for nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound during typing. The utilization of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky V4, the qualities each material brings to the switches are complemented on different aspects of typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material affects the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound signature of the switches. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Milk Tea providing a bright and resonant sound, while the Sky V4 offers a smooth, clacky, and durable typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is the same at 45 grams, meaning both switches will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unknown, while the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a slightly heavier switch in terms of force needed to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the better option, as it is lighter in terms of bottom out force. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Sky V4 with its medium-light bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we can see that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4. In terms of response time, shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Sky V4 a popular choice for gaming. On the other hand, some users may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
The Outemu Milk Tea 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is known for its undisclosed sound profile, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying tone. The Milk Tea's sound remains a mystery, but the Sky V4's unique POK material top housing contributes to a rich and pleasant auditory experience, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a deeper sound signature in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch lacks specific descriptors, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat unknown. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation with a lively feel and rebound effect. This feature adds an extra layer of enjoyment for typists who prefer switches that offer an elastic feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may be shrouded in mystery when it comes to sound and feel, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and bouncy feel. Both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, and ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you value a tactile typing experience with undisclosed sound characteristics or a linear switch with a distinct deep sound and a bouncy feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with no specified bottom out force and unique characteristics, the Outemu Milk Tea could be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light 55g bottom out force and a rich sound profile due to the POK material used in its construction, the Dareu Sky V4 would be a suitable choice. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches, as the Milk Tea offers a different typing experience compared to the Sky V4. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them.
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