Outemu Silver vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features for different types of typists. The Silver switch is best known for its smooth linear action, making it a great choice for those who prefer a consistent feel while typing. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, providing a deeper sound signature and a satisfying typing experience. While the Silver switch is best for a straightforward and linear typing experience, the Sky V4 switch offers a thocky and bouncy feel for those who enjoy a more tactile response. 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
45g
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
Overall, the Outemu Silver and the Dareu Sky V4 both boast high-quality housing materials designed to enhance the sound profile and overall durability of the switches. The Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In comparison, the Sky V4's POK top housing is known for its smoothness and durability, with exceptional wear and shock resistance. While both materials offer distinct advantages, they ultimately contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches in different ways.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound compared to harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material ensures consistency in sound and feel when typing on either switch. Despite having different top housings, the nylon bottom housings of both the Silver and the Sky V4 play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches.
In terms of construction and functionality, the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Dareu Sky V4 offer a balance of sound quality, durability, and smoothness. While the Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound profile, the Sky V4's POK top housing is known for its smooth and clacky feel. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and durability, as both housing materials bring unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 45 grams, making them equally sensitive to touch for triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Silver is heavier at 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it better suited for users who prefer a lighter keypress for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the Silver switch is the heavier of the two, while the Sky V4 is the lighter option, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Silver's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper key press experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Sky V4's 3.6 mm travel distance is on the shorter side, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Silver offering a longer key press and the Sky V4 providing a slightly quicker keystroke.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile with no specific descriptors provided. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has been described as thocky, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its housing. The lower-pitched nature of the Sky V4 contributes to a richer auditory experience, while the Silver remains more versatile in sound profile depending on the setup it is used in.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silver switch does not have any specific descriptors available. However, the Dareu Sky V4 has been characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively rebound sensation. This unique feel sets the Sky V4 apart from the Silver, offering typists a different tactile experience that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile response.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of both sound and feel. While the Silver switch provides a more neutral sound and an unspecified feel, the Sky V4 switch stands out with its thocky sound and bouncy feel, creating a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a more standard typing experience, the Silver switch with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press and a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Sky V4 switch with its medium-light 55-gram bottom out force and POK material in its top housing may be the right choice. Consider your typing style and preferences in sound and feel to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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