KTT Pine vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Pine is a linear switch known for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is also a linear switch but is celebrated for its neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and widespread acclaim for delivering comfort and precision. While the Pine is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and the Sky V3 as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Mild', both switches have their own unique strengths that make them appealing choices. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and Dareu Sky V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This makes them ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Pine differs from the Sky V3 in terms of its bottom housing material - the Pine also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, further emphasizing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing on the keyboard.
On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience compared to the KTT Pine. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the keyboard. This creates a more muted and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing material leads to distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences among users.
In summary, while the KTT Pine and Dareu Sky V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings that provide a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing materials - with the Pine using polycarbonate and the Sky V3 using nylon. This results in a different typing experience for users, with the Pine offering a consistent clarity and resonance throughout the keystroke, while the Sky V3 provides a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more noise. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and feel when typing.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Pine is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. In contrast, the Sky V3 is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 may be the better choice as it requires less force to actuate. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Pine switch may be more suitable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Therefore, whether you choose the Pine or the Sky V3, you can be confident that you will get a familiar feel and response in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is praised for its neutral and subdued sound, providing a more moderate and dampened tone when pressed. Depending on your preference for sound, the Pine switch may offer a more pronounced and bass-heavy experience, while the Sky V3 switch provides a gentle and subtle sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is often described as buttery and creamy, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and seamless. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a mild typing experience, characterized by a gentle touch that is approachable to most users. If you enjoy a silky sensation while typing and prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Pine switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle and easy-going typing experience, the Sky V3 switch could be more suited to your preferences.
Overall, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Pine switch may provide a deeper and richer sound with a buttery typing feel, the Sky V3 switch offers a neutral and subdued sound with a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Consider your typing habits and preferences to determine which switch will be the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a bassy, low-pitched sound, the Pine switches may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a subdued, mild feel and are open to a switch with an unavailable bottom out force specification, the Dareu Sky V3 switches might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how these characteristics align with your typing style and preferences.
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