Outemu Red vs. Dareu Sky V3

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Dareu Sky V3, also a linear switch. The Outemu Red switch is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a favorite among gamers who require quick and precise inputs. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Outemu Red offers a more tactile feel, the Dareu Sky V3 provides a comfortable typing experience with great precision. 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 Red Linear

Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Red and Dareu Sky V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous if RGB lighting is a factor in your keyboard setup. While both switches showcase similar qualities in their top housings, the differences in their bottom housings set them apart. The Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that helps absorb more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing also enhances the typing experience with a rounder sound, providing a unique feel to users compared to the Red.

In terms of similarities, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate top housings, ensuring a clear and resonant sound profile that is ideal for users seeking a crisper typing experience. The choice of material in the top housing plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly when combined with RGB lighting for a visually appealing setup. However, the differences in their nylon bottom housings offer diverse tactile experiences - with the Red emphasizing a deeper sound profile while the Sky V3 delivers a rounder sound for a distinct typing sensation. Despite these differences, the use of quality materials in both switches results in a premium keyboarding experience that caters to individual preferences based on sound and feel.

While the top housings of the Outemu Red and Dareu Sky V3 share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for producing a sharp and clear sound profile, the distinctions lie in their nylon bottom housings. The varying material compositions impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the Red offering a more absorbing and duller sound, while the Sky V3 provides a rounder sound for a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the blend of materials in each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in influencing the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

In comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the Outemu Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V3's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Red requires 62 grams while this information is unavailable for the Dareu Sky V3. This means that while the Outemu Red may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, the Dareu Sky V3 may offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and overall typing experience when using either of these switches. It is worth noting that having the same travel distance can make the typing experience feel consistent and familiar regardless of which switch is being used. In conclusion, both the Outemu Red and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red linear switch lacks a distinctive reputation, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature. The Sky V3 produces a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, making it a suitable option for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work settings. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch does not have a specific description available, while the Dareu Sky V3 switch is characterized as providing a mild typing experience. This mild feel offers a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, giving users a comfortable and approachable option that falls within a safe middle-ground zone.

Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Red and Dareu Sky V3 switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a linear typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and medium-light weight, the Dareu Sky V3 switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize comfort and precision without particular sound characteristics, the Outemu Red switch could also provide a satisfying typing experience similar to the Sky V3. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

In closing, when looking to choose between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch best known for a specific feature (None), the Outemu Red switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature, a medium-light weight, and a mild typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Keep in mind the key characteristics of each switch and choose accordingly for the best typing experience suited to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Dareu Sky V3 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more