Durock Sea Glass vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Sea Glass and Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Sea Glass switch series by Durock catches the eye with its captivating pastel colors and unique typing experience due to its proprietary material blend. It offers a dry, wispy feel with a weightlessness that defies its 62g bottom-out force. Typing on the Sea Glass switches also produces a hollow sound signature, making it an intriguing option for those looking for a frictionless and easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. The Sky V4 offers a rich and satisfying typing experience with a thocky feel and bouncy response. While these general pointers give insight into the key features of each switch, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Dareu Sky V4 offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which provides a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing known for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a smooth, clacky sound. Despite these differences, both top housings offer distinct advantages in terms of sound profiles, with the Sea Glass leaning towards a brighter tone and the Sky V4 providing a smoother and clackier sound.
The bottom housing materials of the Sea Glass and Sky V4 also play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a sound profile that is pleasant and bright, complementing the characteristics of its top housing. On the other hand, the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. While the bottom housing materials differ in their sound profiles, both options offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Given that the housing materials of the Sea Glass and Sky V4 are different for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a nuanced typing experience that incorporates the qualities of each material. The impact of the bottom housing will be more apparent during bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material will have a more significant effect on the sound when releasing a key, offering a distinct sound profile based on the material used. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both the Sea Glass and Sky V4 switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is the same at 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sea Glass requires a heavier 62 grams compared to the Sky V4's lighter 55 grams. This means that the Sea Glass switch will provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, while the Sky V4 switch will offer a softer and smoother bottom out feel. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, which is suitable for a balance between typing comfort and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing force and key press feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. The Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to each keystroke compared to the Sky V4. Gamers may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Sea Glass for a more deliberate feel, while those seeking a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky V4. In terms of travel distance, the Sea Glass is slightly longer than the Sky V4, but both switches offer relatively similar results in terms of typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a crisp and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and more satisfying typing sound. Both switches have their own distinctive sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Sea Glass being airier and the Sky V4 being richer in tone.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as frictionless and feathery, providing an effortless and light typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid travel, minimizing resistance and fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively feel to the keys. These differences in feel highlight the distinct tactile experiences that each switch offers, with the Sea Glass focusing on smoothness and ease of use, while the Sky V4 emphasizes a bouncier and more responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Sea Glass boasts a hollow sound signature and a frictionless, feathery feel, while the Sky V4 provides a thocky, low-pitched sound and a bouncy, responsive feel. Depending on whether you prefer a crisper, airier typing experience or a deeper, richer sound profile, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options that can elevate your typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Sky V4 with its 55g bottom-out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance, the Sea Glass with its 62g bottom-out force could be the better option. Additionally, consider the unique characteristics of each switch: the Sea Glass offers a weightless and hollow typing experience with a distinctive dryness, while the Sky V4 provides a rich and satisfying typing experience with a deep sound signature. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and desired sound and feel for a truly personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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