Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4 each present unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Rice Pudding, renowned for its smooth operation and deep auditory feedback, strikes an appealing balance between a satisfying feel and precision. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal to enthusiasts looking for versatility and performance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its use of POK material in the top housing, providing a deeper sound signature and a remarkably smooth linear action, making for a rich and immersive typing experience. The Sky V4 is characterized by its "thocky," neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy traits, appealing to those who appreciate a lively yet subdued auditory style. Both switches offer distinct features that may resonate with different typists, depending on their preferences for sound, feel, and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding switches and the Dareu Sky V4 switches, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct auditory profiles. The Rice Pudding utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This material not only enhances clarity but also resonates well with RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Conversely, the Sky V4 employs POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. While also facilitating a smooth experience, POK introduces a different auditory character; it's known for its slightly higher coefficient of friction which contributes to a smooth tactile feel, though it does not emphasize brilliance in sound as much as polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, they present unique sound characteristics that stem from their top housing materials.
Interestingly, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. Nylon is a classic choice valued for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that dampens sharper frequencies. This consistency in the bottom housing allows both the Rice Pudding and Sky V4 to produce a rounded sound when bottoming out, emphasizing the lower-end frequencies typical of nylon. As a result, users can expect similar sound absorption qualities from both switches at the key's bottom-out stroke, which can create a harmonious mix when paired with their respective top housings.
Ultimately, combining the unique qualities of both the top and bottom housings leads to an intriguing auditory experience with each switch. The Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a blend of crispness on the upstroke with a rich, fuller sound on the downstroke, while the Sky V4’s POK top and nylon bottom result in an exceptionally smooth action complemented by a rounded tonal profile. Despite the differences, the impact of the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent foundation in sound characteristics for both switches. Therefore, while the top housings present different sound profiles, the overall typing experience could yield similarly enjoyable results for those who appreciate a mix of smoothness and depth.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding switch features a lightweight actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an appealing option for those seeking a lighter keystroke experience ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sky V4 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This increased force can cater to users who prefer a more substantial feeling during typing, offering a firmer push for a reassuring tactile feedback. Consequently, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option, advantageous for long-duration use, while the Dareu Sky V4 provides a heavier alternative for those wanting a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, the Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sky V4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both distances are relatively close, the Sky V4 offers a marginally deeper feedback when pressed compared to the Rice Pudding. For those who favor responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, gamers and typists who prefer a more substantial feel might lean towards the Sky V4 for its heightened depth. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a noteworthy auditory experience characterized by a deep and satisfying acoustic profile, complementing its smooth operation. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a rich sound while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is distinguished by its thocky sound signature, producing a deep "thud" or soft "knock" upon actuation. This brings a neutral yet low-pitched quality to its sound, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Both switches promise engaging auditory experiences, although the Rice Pudding might lean slightly towards a more balanced sound while the Sky V4 offers a unique richness.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding's characteristics remain unspecified, but the Dareu Sky V4 brings a bouncy sensation to the forefront. This spring-like rebound provides typists with a lively feedback upon keystrokes that can enhance the overall typing experience. The lively tactile response of the Sky V4 might create a more dynamic feel compared to the Rice Pudding, potentially catering to varying preferences among users, particularly those who enjoy a responsive switch.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky V4 switches offer a compelling range of qualities for different types of users. While the Rice Pudding boasts a smooth operation coupled with deep sound, the Sky V4 provides a thocky sound profile and a bouncy tactile sensation. Your choice between the two may ultimately boil down to whether you prioritize the sound quality or the feedback feel while typing, as each switch comes with its unique strengths and satisfies different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and are drawn to a smooth operation combined with satisfying acoustics, the Rice Pudding is likely your best bet. Its low actuation force of 48 grams makes it particularly appealing for expansive typing or gaming sessions where quick responsiveness is key. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards enhances its versatility, making it a smart choice for tech enthusiasts. In contrast, if you lean towards a slightly heavier key feel with a deeper sound signature, the 55-gram bottom out force of the Sky V4 might suit you better. Its thocky and low-pitched auditory profile offers a rich feedback experience, while the bouncy feel adds an element of lively responsiveness that can be particularly enjoyable for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and how you plan to use your keyboard, as these factors will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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