Dareu Sky V3 vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both linear switches, there are key differences that cater to different preferences. The Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a versatile choice for various typing styles. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the clever use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. While the Sky V3 offers comfort and precision, the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from the competition. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the polycarbonate in the Sky V3 is praised for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch remains more mysterious and unique in its composition, offering a different kind of auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Sky V3 utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the contrary, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, offering a different tactile experience during key presses. The use of these different materials highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing in creating a well-rounded switch that combines sound, feel, and durability.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in composition and sound characteristics, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. The Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing is complemented by the nylon bottom housing, creating a blend of sharpness and depth in sound profile. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream combines a KTT blend top housing with a POK bottom housing to achieve a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with smoothness and durability. Despite the differences in materials, both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience through their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sky V3 has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream at 48 grams is higher than the unknown bottom out force of the Sky V3, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Sky V3 is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches cater to different preferences, with the Sky V3 offering a lighter touch and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a heavier push experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Sky V3 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Sky V3 is more on the traditional side, providing a decent amount of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly shallower feel, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Sky V3 providing a bit more depth while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a slightly quicker key press.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature that sets it apart from other switches in the market. The Sky V3's sound is more moderate and understated, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a sharp and crisp sound that adds a unique auditory experience to typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is known for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that caters to most users. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless. The use of innovative materials in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch results in a typing sensation that is reminiscent of its dessert namesake, offering a unique tactile feel that is unmatched by other switches.
Overall, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch focuses on providing a comfortable and precise typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its creamy and buttery feel, paired with a high-pitched and resonant sound signature that adds a touch of sophistication to the typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the neutral and subdued qualities of the Sky V3 switch or the unique and flavorful characteristics of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to enhance their typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct features that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a neutral sound signature and a medium-light weight switch that provides comfort and precision, the Dareu Sky V3 is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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