Dareu Sky V3 vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky V3 and KTT Wine Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is celebrated for its intoxicating feel and deep, rich sound profile, providing users with a pillowy light typing experience. While the Sky V3 is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Mild', the Wine Red falls under 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their distinct qualities that make them stand out, but ultimately the choice 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Wine Red, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. However, the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Sky V3.
While both the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Wine Red utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red’s polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, balancing out the overall sound characteristics of the keyboard.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V3 and the KTT Wine Red play a significant role. While the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The difference in the materials used for the top and bottom housings between the two keyboards influences the overall typing experience, with the Sky V3 offering a deeper sound profile with nylon and the Wine Red providing a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate. Despite these differences, both keyboards are designed to enhance the sound and feel of typing for users.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, one can observe differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Dareu Sky V3 has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red's 44 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Wine Red is 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unavailable. This means that the Wine Red requires a heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Sky V3. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 may be more suitable, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Wine Red. Both switches offer different options that cater to varying preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience with both switches. Whether you choose the Sky V3 or the Wine Red, you can enjoy a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance for each.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. In comparison, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, the Sky V3 may be more suitable for a quieter and more subtle typing experience, while the Wine Red switch caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced and resonant sound.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Sky V3 is known for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, details about the specific typing feel of the KTT Wine Red switch are currently unavailable. However, based on the characteristics of a Wine Red switch typically offering a pillowy light type feel, users can expect a comfortable and satisfying typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a soft and cushioned touch.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky V3 and KTT Wine Red linear switches offer distinct sound and potentially similar tactile qualities, it ultimately comes down to individual preference and intended usage. Whether you prioritize a neutral and subdued sound like that of the Sky V3, or prefer the deep and rich bass tones of the Wine Red, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches and considering factors such as keycap selection and keyboard build can help you determine which option suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a neutral sound profile and medium-light typing experience that caters to various preferences, the Sky V3 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light typing feel, the Wine Red switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to the specific tactile and auditory experience you desire while typing.
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