TTC Silent Red vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features for different preferences. The Silent Red is ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or shared living spaces. With its smooth and consistent feel, as well as a padded bottom-out for added comfort, the Silent Red is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the 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. This switch offers typists a rich and satisfying typing experience, categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4, we find that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the top housings differ, with the Silent Red utilizing a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky V4 employs a POK top housing known for its smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability.
While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, the Silent Red and Sky V4 diverge in their choice of top housing material. The Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound profile, ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sky V4's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability, with superior wear resistance and shock resistance compared to other materials like Nylon and POM. These differences in top housing material result in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Sky V4 contribute different qualities to the switches' sound profiles and tactile feedback. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the choice of top housing material sets them apart. The Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp and crisp sound profile, whereas the Sky V4's POK top housing provides a smooth and clacky typing experience. These unique characteristics highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Red switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Sky V4 has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Sky V4 switch will offer a lighter touch for those who prefer typing for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. While the difference between 3.7 mm and 3.6 mm may seem minimal, it can still affect the overall feel and experience of typing or gaming. If you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the TTC Silent Red may be the better option for you, while the Dareu Sky V4 offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer a more immediate response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted experience, making it ideal for situations where noise may be a concern, such as in an office or shared living space. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch produces a deeper, thocky sound that is rich and satisfying. The low-pitched nature of the Sky V4 adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Silent Red focusing on a quiet typing environment and the Sky V4 providing a more immersive and satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes from top to bottom. The padded bottom-out feel adds an extra layer of comfort for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing spring-like feedback and a lively feel when pressed. This bouncy sensation can add a dynamic element to the typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more responsive feel from their switches.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Sky V4 switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out with its deeper and thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy and spring-like feel that adds a unique touch to typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with users getting similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience suitable for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and a rich typing sensation, then the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both options offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your choice.
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