Dareu Sky V3 vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Strawberry are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Dareu Sky V3 switches are celebrated for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals who value comfort and precision in their typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches stand out for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, thanks to their attractive pink and clear housings. While the Sky V3 is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild', the Strawberry is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the Dareu Sky V3 and KTT Strawberry, both keyboards boast a polycarbonate top housing which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visual flair to the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. However, while both keyboards share this common feature, the Sky V3 stands out with its nylon bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with this material. While both keyboards prioritize the sound experience with their top housing material, the choice of bottom housing material differs significantly. The Sky V3 focuses on creating a distinct typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller. In contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing prioritizes clear and resonant sound, providing a more consistent tone throughout typing.
Ultimately, the housing materials of these keyboards play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience. The selection of polycarbonate for the top housing in both the Dareu Sky V3 and KTT Strawberry ensures a sharper and crisper sound output, enhancing the overall clarity of key presses. However, the difference in bottom housing materials - nylon for the Sky V3 and polycarbonate for the Strawberry - highlights the nuanced variations in sound quality. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more resonant tone, both keyboards offer distinct options to cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Strawberry switch is 62 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Sky V3 where the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Sky V3 may be the better option for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch would be ideal for individuals who enjoy a stronger push for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. Overall, both switches offer similar travel distances, so you can expect comparable results when using either the Dareu Sky V3 or the KTT Strawberry linear switch.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a neutral and somewhat subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch produces a low-pitched sound that adds a unique bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. While both switches offer different sound characteristics, the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Sky V3 switch provides a mild typing experience that caters to a broad audience looking for a gentle and approachable key feel. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimized resistance and enhanced smoothness. Both switches provide different feels, with the Sky V3 leaning towards a gentle typing experience and the Strawberry offering an ultra-smooth and luxurious feel.
Considering the available information, the Dareu Sky V3 and KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound and mild typing experience, the Strawberry excels in providing a low-pitched sound and a luxurious, frictionless feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences and needs. If a user enjoys a more subtle sound and gentle feel, the Dareu Sky V3 would be a suitable choice, while those seeking a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a unique low-pitched sound may prefer the KTT Strawberry switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, along with a comfortable and precise typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance with a bottom out force of 62 grams, the KTT Strawberry switch could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider these factors carefully to choose the mechanical keyboard switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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