Outemu Silent Grey vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch. The Outemu Silent Grey switches are renowned for providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Ideal for those in search of a satisfying and silent typing experience, these switches offer a unique blend of feedback and noise reduction. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile that complements its smooth linear action. With characteristics such as being 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Sky V4 switch offers a rich and satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences and typing styles; 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Dareu Sky V4, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. The polycarbonate used in the Silent Grey creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky V4's POK top housing offers a smooth and clacky feel while being exceptionally strong and durable, with wear resistance that surpasses other materials like POM and Nylon. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Silent Grey leans towards a sharper sound profile while the Sky V4 prioritizes smoothness and durability.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches feature nylon materials. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to other housing materials. In this aspect, the qualities of the bottom housing of both the Silent Grey and the Sky V4 enhance the overall typing experience by providing a deeper sound profile. While the top housing may have a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and the Dareu Sky V4 will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel. The Silent Grey offers a sharper, crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Sky V4 provides a smoother and clackier typing experience with its POK top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, users looking for a more resonant sound with RGB lighting may prefer the Silent Grey, while those prioritizing smoothness and durability may lean towards the Sky V4. However, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Sky V4. The Silent Grey requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sky V4 only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, indicating a lighter and medium-light feel. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Grey, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V4. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience due to their variance in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences based on weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter in comparison. This means that the Silent Grey will provide a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Meanwhile, the Sky V4 offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for faster input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of experience each user is seeking.
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 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 tactile switch is well-regarded for its quiet typing experience, allowing users to focus on their work without distraction. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a unique "Thocky" sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. Both switches offer a different sound experience, with the Silent Grey being quiet and the Sky V4 being more distinctive in its sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its tactile bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as "bouncy," offering a spring-like sensation that can enhance the typing experience by providing a lively and responsive feel to each keypress. While both switches offer a different tactile feel, they are both designed to provide a pleasant typing experience based on the user's preference for either a more tactile or bouncy feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Silent Grey excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Sky V4 stands out for its distinctive "Thocky" sound and bouncy feel. Depending on whether the user values a quiet typing experience or prefers a more pronounced sound and bouncy feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear action with a medium-light bottom out force and a richer sound signature due to POK material in the top housing, the Sky V4 could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a pronounced tactile bump or a bouncy, spring-like feedback sensation in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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