Kailh Sage vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch. The Sage switch is well-known for its distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness that adds a refreshing crunch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch sets itself apart by utilizing POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. This creates a rich and satisfying typing experience with a thocky feel, neutral response, low-pitched sound, and a bouncy sensation. While the Sage offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Sky V4 provides a more subdued yet satisfying feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Dareu Sky V4, it's clear that both switches feature high-quality materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Sage's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V4's POK top housing provides a smooth and clacky sound, paired with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While both materials have distinct characteristics, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Sage and Sky V4 feature nylon materials that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing materials between the two switches ensures that users can enjoy a more consistent typing experience, with both switches offering a pleasant sound profile that enhances the overall feel of each keystroke.
While the Sage and Sky V4 have different top housing materials, with the Sage utilizing polycarbonate and the Sky V4 featuring POK, the similarities in their bottom housing materials provide a familiar typing experience for users. The split between the distinct qualities that each housing material brings to the switch allows for a balance in sound and feel when typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the smooth sound of POK, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have contrasting actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh Sage has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to compare to the Dareu Sky V4's 45-gram actuation force. However, the Kailh Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Dareu Sky V4's lighter 55 grams. This means that the Kailh Sage offers a more substantial typing experience, while the Dareu Sky V4 allows for a lighter touch and potentially longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it can be noted that they both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. This means that whether you are using the Sage clicky switch or the Sky V4 linear switch, you can expect similar results in how far the key moves when activated. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can comfortably transition between the two types of switches without experiencing any significant differences in keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Sage provides a more audibly sharp and crisp clickiness, while the Sky V4 gives off a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, providing a pronounced feedback and reactive typing sensation. On the contrary, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like and lively response when pressed. The Sage switch has a heavy weight and strong tactile bump, while the Sky V4 offers a smooth linear action with the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. Both switches aim to provide a distinct and satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences for feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a crunchy and sharp sound with invigorating feedback, while the Sky V4 switch gives off a thocky and bouncy feel with a deep sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for clickiness, weight, and sound profile, newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards may find either switch to be a suitable choice for their typing needs. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct characteristics, ensuring a satisfying and immersive feel with every keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a sharp, crunchy typing experience, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a smooth, thocky sound signature with a bouncy feel, then the Dareu Sky V4 switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and actuation force, as both switches offer their unique characteristics for a satisfying typing experience.
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