Dareu Sky V3 vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch renowned for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a versatile option that caters to a variety of typing preferences. This balance of comfort and precision has earned it a strong following among both enthusiasts and professionals, contributing to its popularity within Dareu's range. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch stands out with its super smooth keystrokes, thanks in part to the latest molds from Huano, which provide a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious note—not too quiet, but not overly resonant either. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Sky V3 appealing to those who value an adaptable typing feel and the Strawberry Latte attracting users who prioritize an exceptionally smooth and consistent performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches feature distinct top housing materials that contribute significantly to their respective sound profiles. The Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for more resonance and clarity, especially beneficial when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte incorporates a POK (polyketone) top housing that, while also engineered for auditory performance, excels in providing a smoother feel thanks to its low friction coefficient of 0.04. Though the two materials aim to enhance sound, the polycarbonate in the Sky V3 promotes a brighter tone, whereas the POK housing creates a smooth and clacky experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which is revered for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Chicken-egg scenarios aside, the nylon bottom housing effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder sound when keys bottom out. Notably, both the Sky V3 and Strawberry Latte share this commonality, yielding similar auditory characteristics in terms of sound dampening. This congruency in material choice allows both switches to deliver a rich sound experience, despite the differing top housings. Therefore, users can expect comparable typing experiences—deep and satisfying—regardless of the top section utilized.
In summary, while the Dareu Sky V3 and Huano Strawberry Latte differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POK—both switches share nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep sound profile. The variances in the top housing result in unique auditory qualities, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and POK material lending itself to a smoother typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housing means that users will still be treated to a robust and rounded sound when the keys bottom out. Consequently, anyone interested in these switches can select either one depending on their sound preference, while still enjoying the comfort of a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equivalent in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces reveal a distinct difference; while the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown. This suggests that the Huano switch might provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Dareu Sky V3 is the lighter option due to its unspecified bottom out force, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is the heavier choice with its 45-gram bottom out force. This difference in weight can influence the typing experience, with the Sky V3 being better suited for long typing sessions, while the Strawberry Latte may be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Dareu Sky V3 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sky V3 offers a more traditional depth that some may find to provide a satisfying keystroke experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a fuller feel when typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feeling when pressing keys. Consequently, users seeking a balance between depth and speed might lean toward the Sky V3 for its longer travel, while those prioritizing responsiveness may prefer the more agile Huano Strawberry Latte.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 Dareu Sky V3 linear switch boasts a neutral sound signature, which is both subdued and moderately resonant. This means that while it doesn't produce a completely silent typing experience, it strikes a balance that is suitable for various environments, making it appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists. The switch offers a dampened sound profile, ensuring that each keystroke is heard without being intrusive. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is characterized by a balanced sound profile as well, although specific descriptors like "neutral" or "subdued" are not explicitly mentioned. However, the indication that it isn't overly resonant suggests that users can expect a similar level of sound control from this switch, making it a versatile choice for different scenarios.
In terms of feel, the Sky V3 is known for its mild characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience that doesn't overwhelm the user. Its design allows for a smooth actuation that is approachable, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions whether at home or in a professional setting. The Strawberry Latte linear switch also emphasizes smoothness with its design utilizing the latest molds from Huano. While specific descriptors of the feel are absent for the Latte, the emphasis on smoothness suggests that users will enjoy a seamless keystroke experience that aligns well with the Sky V3, leading to comparatively similar typing sensations.
Overall, both the Dareu Sky V3 and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present appealing options for newcomers looking to explore mechanical keyboards. The Sky V3 offers a neutral yet subdued sound profile coupled with a mild typing feel, making it a good all-rounder for various typing styles and environments. The Strawberry Latte, while similarly balanced in sound, is known for its smoothness, suggesting synergy with the Sky V3 in terms of overall performance. Newcomers can feel confident that either choice will yield satisfying results, and users who appreciate a gentle typing experience with controlled sound can expect to enjoy both switches in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a switch that boasts a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balanced typing experience suitable for both home and office use, then the Sky V3 is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal if you prioritize comfort and precision, making it a fantastic option whether you're a beginner exploring the mechanical keyboard realm or a seasoned user looking for a dependable switch. On the other hand, if you seek a super smooth switch that delivers a balanced sound profile without being overly resonant, the Strawberry Latte is worth considering. With its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, it can provide a more tactile and nuanced typing experience, making it a great fit for users who appreciate a bit of feedback without the harsh sounds often associated with mechanical switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired typing feel, sound environment, and whether you lean towards a more neutral or nuanced experience in your mechanical keyboard.
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