Outemu Silent Grey vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Dareu Sky V3 offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Silent Grey stands out for its quiet and tactile typing experience, providing a satisfying bump and smooth keystroke for those who crave both precision and silence. On the other hand, the Sky V3 from Dareu is favored for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a balance between comfort and precision that appeals to a wide range of typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the Dareu Sky V3 feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This makes them both ideal choices if you are looking for a switch that offers clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. With similar qualities in their top housing material, users can expect to experience a consistent sound profile regardless of the switch they choose.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Silent Grey utilizes nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 also features nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the similarity in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a comparable typing experience for users who prioritize sound quality and feel while typing.
It is important to note that the combination of different housing materials in a switch affects the overall sound and feel when typing. The qualities each material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom housing, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the specific combination of housing materials used in a switch, whether it be the Outemu Silent Grey with polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing or the Dareu Sky V3 with similar housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Grey is heavier in both regards. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Sky V3 has an actuation force of 40 grams and no information available for the bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent Grey would cater more to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer unique experiences and can provide similar results depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation point when typing or gaming. However, it is important to note that while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey switch may provide a different typing experience compared to the smooth linear action of the Sky V3 switch. Ultimately, personal preference will determine which switch is preferred for individual use cases.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, making it ideal for those looking for a silent switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. The Sky V3 switch also offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This makes it a great choice for individuals who enjoy a satisfying tactile response while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is described as providing a mild typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. The gentle feel of the Sky V3 switch is approachable to most users and offers a comfortable typing experience suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the Dareu Sky V3 switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Grey switch is best known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, while the Sky V3 switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and mild typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with both switches providing satisfying and comfortable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Silent Grey switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a medium-light weight switch with a more subdued sound, the Sky V3 linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual preferences and needs for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
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