Durock Piano vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and the Dareu Sky V4, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 utilizes POK material in its top housing, offering a rich sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. While the Piano is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', the Sky V4 is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own unique features and benefits that may 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

Durock Piano Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Dareu Sky V4 both contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housings, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POK material in the Sky V4 is known for its smooth and clacky feel, as well as its exceptional durability compared to POM. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In this aspect, the Piano and Sky V4 differ in their choice of housing materials for different parts of the switch.

In terms of durability, the Dareu Sky V4's POK top housing outperforms the POM blend used in the Durock Piano, with wear resistance 14 times stronger and shock resistance surpassing Nylon by 2.3 times and POM by 1.4 times. This makes the switches using POK material more long-lasting and able to withstand heavy usage without experiencing wear and tear. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's POM blend is designed to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, indicating a focus on sound quality over durability. This contrast in priorities between the two housing materials showcases the different approaches taken by the manufacturers.

Overall, both the Durock Piano and the Dareu Sky V4 aim to provide a premium typing experience through their housing materials. While the Piano's housing materials prioritize a deep and satisfying sound profile, the Sky V4 focuses on a smooth and durable feel. Despite their differences, both switches are crafted with high-quality materials that contribute to their overall performance. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material, users can choose the switch that aligns best with their preferences for sound, feel, and durability.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Piano requires more force to bottom out at 63.5 grams compared to the Sky V4 at 55 grams, making the Piano the heavier option. However, the actuation force of the Sky V4 at 45 grams is lower than the actuation force of the Piano, which is unspecified, potentially making the Sky V4 the lighter option for initial keypresses. The Piano offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Sky V4 provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.

Travel distance

The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Piano switch has a slightly longer distance compared to the Sky V4 switch. A difference of 0.4 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the switch feels when pressed. The longer travel distance of the Piano switch may provide a more deliberate and tactile feel, while the shorter travel distance of the Sky V4 switch may result in a quicker response time. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may lean towards the Sky V4 switch, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may prefer the Piano switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and how it affects the typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is best characterized as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. The sound is described as having a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness of bass tones. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky sound, producing a deep, satisfying thud or knock when pressed and released. It also has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for various typing environments.

Moving on to the feel, the Durock Piano switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance when pressing the keys. Users can expect a fluid travel and a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel and rebound when pressed.

Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Durock Piano and Dareu Sky V4 switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Piano switch delivers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky typing experience, the Sky V4 switch offers a thocky sound with a bouncy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. Both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience, but users should consider their sound and feel preferences to determine which switch best suits their needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a richer and thocky sound profile, accompanied by a bouncy and lively feel, then the Dareu Sky V4 might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you find most enjoyable. Make sure to consider factors such as typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more