Outemu Silent White vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and Dareu Sky V4 both present appealing options for those who prefer a linear feel, but they cater to different user preferences. The Silent White switches are designed for a quieter typing experience, making them an excellent choice for users who want to minimize noise without sacrificing performance, particularly in shared workspaces. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, which delivers a deeper sound signature alongside a smooth linear action. This combination creates a rich and satisfying typing experience, lending itself well to typists who enjoy a more tactile sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics, catering to various user needs; 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 Silent White Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Dareu Sky V4, it becomes evident that while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, their top housings differ significantly. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer a crisper auditory feedback when typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate supports RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which, while not as resonant as polycarbonate, offers exceptional smoothness and durability. The POK material’s higher coefficient of friction allows it to glide effortlessly during typing, albeit with a different acoustic profile that tends to be clackier rather than sharp.

On the other hand, both the Silent White and the Sky V4 utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a material that contributes significantly to the overall sound profile and feel while typing. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, providing a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This shared characteristic means that players using either switch will experience similar depth in sound, even though the top housing materials create distinct auditory sensations. Here, the synergy between the nylon bottom and the various top materials will dictate how each switch feels under finger pressure, with the nylon component being instrumental in shaping the overall sonic experience when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the contrasting characteristics of the top housing materials illustrate the importance of housing composition in mechanical switch performance. While the Silent White's polycarbonate top delivers a crisp sound and supports vibrant RGB lighting, the Sky V4’s POK provides smoothness and durability, yielding a clacky result. However, with both utilizing nylon for the bottom, users can expect a consistent depth of sound across both switches, illustrating how the interplay between different housing materials can lead to unique yet comparable experiences in sound and feel. Understanding these differences allows users to select the switch that best fits their preferences, balancing sound resonance with typing feel.

Weight

The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, which may provide similar typing experiences for users seeking a balanced weight. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Silent White switch having a bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the 55 grams of the Sky V4. This results in the Outemu Silent White switch feeling heavier overall, as it demands more force to fully depress than the Dareu Sky V4. Consequently, typists who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sky V4 for prolonged use, while those who favor a firmer feedback might find the Silent White switch more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we find that the Silent White features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sky V4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker responsiveness, the Silent White may be the more advantageous option due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Sky V4 would likely be more to your liking because of its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the balance of responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent White switch is notably silent, making it ideal for those who prioritize minimal noise during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a distinctly deeper auditory experience characterized as "thocky," producing a rich, bass-heavy sound reminiscent of a soft knock with each keystroke. This low-pitched sound profile can create a satisfying typing atmosphere, particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback from their keyboard but still want to maintain a level of moderation suitable for office environments.

In terms of feel, the Silent White switch seems to lack a defined tactile character, focusing instead on providing a smooth linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4's bouncy quality enhances the typing experience significantly, delivering a spring-like rebound that gives users lively feedback. This characteristic can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging, providing an enjoyable sensation with each key press, especially for those who like to feel a bit of lively energy in their hands as they type.

Overall, the Outemu Silent White switch is suited for users seeking a quiet and unintrusive experience, while the Dareu Sky V4 appeals to those who appreciate a more textured sound and a lively tactile feel under their fingertips. If sound and feel are important aspects of your typing experience, and you want a peaceful environment, the Silent White might be your go-to, while those looking for an audible and responsive switch will likely gravitate towards the Sky V4 for its rich feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the realm of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent White and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches largely depends on your specific preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you’re seeking a quieter keyboard experience without any specific sound character, the Silent White might be the more suitable option for you, especially if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a 60-gram bottom-out force. However, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound signature that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, the Sky V4 is an excellent choice. With its innovative POK material, it not only delivers a deeper sound but also a bouncy feel that can make long typing sessions more enjoyable. Additionally, if you favor a lighter switch for a quicker response and smoother actuation, the Sky V4—featuring a 55-gram bottom-out force—might resonate more with your style. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a quieter setting or a more dynamic and acoustically pleasing experience; either way, both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more