Outemu Purple vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch, stand out as top choices. The Purple is best known for its tactile feedback, providing typists with a satisfying and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch distinguishes itself through the innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a smoother linear action and a deeper sound signature. While the Purple offers a tactile response for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback, the Sky V4 provides a quieter and smoother 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
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
The Outemu Purple switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is great for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switches utilize a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. While the Purple switches offer a more resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, the Sky V4 switches create a clacky sound profile with their POK material. Both materials have their strengths, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, while POK focuses on smoothness and durability.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Purple and the Dareu Sky V4 switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deep and full sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Outemu Purple and Dareu Sky V4 switches, the qualities each material brings to the switches split between the top and bottom of the key press. The bottom housing has more influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Purple switches focusing on clarity and resonance, and the Sky V4 switches emphasizing smoothness and durability.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Purple has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams. This means that the Purple switch will require a slightly firmer press to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unknown, while the Sky V4 has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a bit heavier when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V4 might be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Purple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Sky V4 may offer a quicker, more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch may provide a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, with the Dareu Sky V4 being the shorter option and the Outemu Purple being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and 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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch does not have any specific sound characteristics associated with it. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which provides a deep and rich typing experience. The Sky V4 switch's utilization of POK material in its top housing contributes to a unique sound that enhances the overall typing feel.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that adds liveliness to each keystroke. This bouncy feel can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it a popular choice among typists seeking a dynamic typing experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch may not have defined sound or feel characteristics, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch stands out for its thocky sound signature and bouncy feel. Depending on your preferences, the Purple switch may offer a simpler and more neutral typing experience, while the Sky V4 switch provides a deeper sound profile and lively feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preference for switch characteristics. If you prioritize a smooth linear action and a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Sky V4 with its POK material top housing and 'thocky' sound profile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with no bottom out force and a different feel, the Outemu Purple switch could be worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
