Outemu Ocean vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V3, a linear switch. The Outemu Ocean is known for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are praised for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, appealing to a wide range of typists. While the Ocean provides a tactile typing experience, the Sky V3 offers a smoother and quieter keystroke. If you prefer a more pronounced feedback, the Ocean might be the way to go, whereas if you value a quieter typing experience, the Sky V3 could be the better choice. 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 Ocean Tactile

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Ocean and the Dareu Sky V3 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. The similarities in top housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Ocean or the Sky V3.

In contrast, the Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Dareu Sky V3 also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, eliciting the same deep and full sound profile during typing. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing between the Ocean and the Sky V3 means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and key feel when using either switch.

Overall, the division of housing materials between top and bottom in switches like the Outemu Ocean and the Dareu Sky V3 impacts the sound profile and feel of the keys. The bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division highlights the importance of selecting housing materials that complement each other to achieve the desired typing experience, whether it be sharper and crisper with polycarbonate or deeper and fuller with nylon.

Weight

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams, making the Ocean the heavier option. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Ocean is expected to have a higher bottom out force due to its higher actuation force. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V3 switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, offering users a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect to get similar results when it comes to the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two switches, it's worth noting that they both provide a moderate travel distance, striking a balance between short-travel switches and long-travel switches. This can result in a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer a standard key travel distance for their mechanical keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile. The Ocean's sound signature remains a mystery, but the Sky V3 offers a moderate and dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks a descriptor for its typing experience, whereas the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is characterized as mild. A mild switch like the Sky V3 provides a gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. The Ocean's tactile feedback and overall feel are unspecified, so it may offer a unique experience that is unknown until tried.

In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have their strengths in different areas. While the sound profile of the Ocean is unspecified, the Sky V3 is celebrated for its neutral and subdued sound. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Sky V3 being described as mild in feel. Ultimately, depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can achieve similar results in sound and feel with either switch, as long as they consider other factors like keyboard setup and keycap selection.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a tactile feedback without a bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Ocean switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Sky V3 switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, so it's essential to choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more