Dareu Sky V3 vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky V3 and HMX Sunset Gleam are two compelling linear options, each offering distinct qualities suited to different types of users. The Dareu Sky V3 is renowned for its neutral sound profile and medium-light weight, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a balanced typing experience that combines comfort with precision. This switch has gained popularity among both enthusiasts and professionals, catering to a broad range of typing preferences. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, introduces a unique blend of materials that produces a subtle top-out feel and a satisfying clack, enhanced by the factory lubrication HMX is celebrated for. While both switches offer linear keystrokes, the Sky V3 leans towards a more muted experience, while the Sunset Gleam emphasizes auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V3 and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a commonality in their housing materials, employing polycarbonate for the top housing. This shared material contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and resonance, allowing the switches to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound that enhances the user experience, particularly for those who favor RGB lighting due to its translucency. The aesthetic appeal of both switches is aligned, as they both utilize a clear polycarbonate top that not only maximizes light diffusion but also accentuates the overall design when illuminated.
However, the two switches diverge when it comes to the bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both cases. Nylon's properties introduce a different auditory quality, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder bottom-out feel when a key is pressed. This variance in bottom housing material ensures that while both switches resonate similarly during release due to their polycarbonate tops, the feel and acoustic experience at the bottom-out stage will differ, creating an overall unique typing experience for users between the two models.
In summary, while the Dareu Sky V3 and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize the same top housing material—polycarbonate—the bottom housing in both switches is constructed from nylon, leading to contrasting sound profiles in key actions. The significant attributes of the materials are felt in their respective contexts; the polycarbonate greatly influences the sound produced during key release, while the nylon absorbs sound and contributes to a softer bottom-out impact. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying experience but offer distinctive feelings and sounds that can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sky V3 has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Sky V3 more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, reducing fatigue during long periods of use. However, the bottom out force is where the comparison takes a different turn; while the Sunset Gleam has a specified bottom out force of 48 grams, the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. This means that, while the Sunset Gleam may provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, the experience with the Sky V3 remains uncertain in that regard. In conclusion, for those who favor a lighter switch for extended use, the Sky V3 is the better option, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a bit more resistance, making it preferable for users who appreciate a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of half a millimeter makes the Sky V3 the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, could be a better fit for gamers seeking quicker response times and more rapid actions. Although both switches can yield satisfactory results, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value the enhanced depth of the Sky V3 or the responsiveness of the Sunset Gleam.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is characterized as neutral, yielding a moderate actuation force requirement along with a sound signature that is well-suited for various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. This switch provides a subdued auditory experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed, making it less intrusive compared to more pronounced switches, thus catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Conversely, while the HMX Sunset Gleam is known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, specific details regarding its sound profile are not provided. However, given its reputation for an excellent blend of materials and factory lubrication, one might anticipate that it also delivers a sound quality that balances subtlety with satisfaction.
When considering the feel, the Sky V3 provides a mild typing experience, which contributes to a gentle tactile sensation as users engage with the keys. This mild characteristic means that both sound and feel are approachable for a wide range of users, from beginners to more advanced typists. On the other hand, there is no detailed description available for the feel of the Sunset Gleam switch, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, if it is designed with quality materials and excellent lubrication, it might offer a satisfying typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky V3 is celebrated for its neutral sound and mild feel, allowing for a versatile typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers intriguing qualities such as a subtle top-out and effective lubrication, although specific feel characteristics remain unspecified. Users can expect to find desirable attributes in both switches, with the Sky V3 providing a well-rounded experience and the Sunset Gleam possibly delivering a unique touch. If you appreciate a quieter typing environment with a comfortable experience, either option could serve your needs, albeit with different auditory nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re looking for a switch that provides a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and mild feel, the Sky V3 would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light weight and subdued sound make it versatile, accommodating both casual and professional environments, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more tactile sound and feel, encapsulated in a satisfying clack with a light bottom-out force of 48 grams, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be your go-to option. Its thoughtful design and high-quality factory lubrication deliver a unique typing experience, perfect for users who appreciate audible feedback and a more engaging keypress. In summary, your choice should align with your typing style and the acoustic qualities you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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