KTT Pine vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky V4. The KTT Pine is a linear switch known for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth typing experience. With a factory-lubed finish to minimize friction, the Pine switch is perfect for those looking for effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 is also a linear switch but distinguishes itself with the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. This unique design results in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action, providing a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Pine switch offers a creamy and low-pitched typing experience, the Sky V4 switch is described as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. Both switches have their own unique attributes that cater 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

KTT Pine Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky V4, there are notable differences in their compositions and resulting characteristics. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes the sound more resonant, especially when combined with RGB lighting for aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Sky V4 incorporates a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material offers a clacky sound profile and exceptional wear and shock resistance, making it a top choice for switch housing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Pine once again features polycarbonate, contributing to a higher-pitched sound profile and clear resonance when keys are pressed. This is in contrast to the nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While the Pine's bottom housing focuses on sharper and crisper sounds, the Sky V4's nylon material aims for a rounder and more muted sound experience, showcasing the impact of housing material on switch performance.

Overall, the different housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky V4 cater to varying sound preferences and durability needs. While the Pine's polycarbonate housing offers sharp and clear sound profiles, the Sky V4's POK and nylon materials prioritize smoothness, durability, and a deeper sound experience. Both switches demonstrate that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, highlighting the importance of material selection for customizing the typing experience to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Sky V4's lighter 55 grams. This means that while they both require the same amount of force to initially actuate a keystroke, the Pine switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience overall compared to the Sky V4. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V4 may be the better option due to its lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Pine switch's heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. If you prioritize a faster response time, the Sky V4 with the shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Pine with the longer travel distance could be the better option. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with one offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the other a somewhat longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch is best described as having a bassy and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is noted for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a satisfying deep tone reminiscent of a soft thud or knock when the key is pressed and released. While both switches share a low-pitched sound profile, the Pine leans towards a bassier tone, whereas the Sky V4 offers a more thocky and neutral sound experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy typing experience, delivering a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation that is effortless and seamless. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like and lively feedback when keys are pressed. While the Pine offers a buttery and creamy typing experience for a luxurious feel, the Sky V4 stands out for its bouncy and elastic feedback, adding a lively touch to typing sessions.

Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the KTT Pine linear switch excels in providing a deep, bassy sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a bouncy and lively typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the KTT Pine and Dareu Sky V4 switches will depend on whether you prioritize a bassier, buttery typing experience or a thocky, bouncy feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a rich and satisfying typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a bouncy feel, then the Dareu Sky V4 switch could be the right fit for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more