Kailh Sage vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Sage and the Dareu Sky V3 offer contrasting experiences to suit different preferences. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its invigorating and sharp typing experience, with a heavy weight and pronounced clickiness. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch renowned for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience favored by enthusiasts and professionals. While the Sage offers a crunchy and lively typing feel, the Sky V3 provides a more subdued and mild experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Sage and Dareu Sky V3 switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sage and Sky V3 switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Sage using nylon and the Sky V3 also using nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both the Sage and Sky V3 switches share the transparent and acoustically pleasing qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, they diverge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The split qualities of the housing materials distribute their effects accordingly, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This difference in material composition between the top and bottom housings can lead to varying typing experiences, with the Sage offering a potentially crisper sound upon key press compared to the Sky V3's fuller and deeper sound profile due to their respective housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Sage and Dareu Sky V3 switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches will deliver a sharp and clear sound, with the Sage offering a potentially more resonant and precise key press compared to the Sky V3. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more tactile typing experience that absorbs more sound for a rounder overall sound. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in the acoustics and feel of each key press, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Sky V3 has an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Sage is heavier in terms of bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may result in a smoother typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sage offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy more tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of keypress feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its crunchy and sharp clickiness, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing preferences without being too loud or overwhelming. The Sage switch will provide a more audible and distinct clicky sound, while the Sky V3 switch offers a more subtle and dampened sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is characterized as invigorating and sharp, providing a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe, middle-ground zone to appeal to a wide range of users. While typing on the Sage switch will deliver a high feedback intensity with a prominent tactile bump, the Sky V3 switch ensures a more approachable and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a distinct and audible typing experience with a sharp tactile feel, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience that caters to diverse typing preferences, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is the better option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance based on their respective characteristics, allowing you to achieve satisfying results in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Sage clicky switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a sharp clickiness and pronounced tactile feedback, the Sage switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate-light typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a more subdued feel, the Sky V3 switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it all comes down to what you personally prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider the weight, sound, and feel of each switch to decide which one aligns best with your typing style.
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