Dareu Sky V3 vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Sky V3 and the SP-Star Yanyu are both linear switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Sky V3 switches are renowned for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals who seek a balance of comfort and precision. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are favored for their delicate typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions with a crisp sound profile. While the Sky V3 is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild', the Yanyu boasts categories such as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V3 and SP-Star Yanyu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sky V3 is translucent and ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the Yanyu's blend top housing is a more understated option.
On the other hand, the housing materials of the bottom housings also play a significant role in the overall sound of the switches. The Sky V3's nylon bottom housing provides a deep and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Yanyu's blend bottom housing complements the top housing with a unique sound profile that is on the brighter side but not particularly sharp. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials in a switch can work together to create a balanced and pleasing sound experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Sky V3 and SP-Star Yanyu will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. While the Sky V3 offers a sharper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Yanyu provides a more pleasant and brighter sound with its unique blend housing materials. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard, and users can expect high-quality performance from either option.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Yanyu switch is lighter with 43 grams compared to the Sky V3's unknown bottom out force. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches can result in varying typing experiences. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Yanyu for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, users will experience a consistent key press feel with the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. With equal travel distances, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Users can expect to achieve similar results when using either the Sky V3 or the Yanyu switches due to their identical travel distances.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, both the Dareu Sky V3 and the SP-Star Yanyu switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of typing preferences and environments. The Sky V3 is noted for its subdued sound, providing a more subtle typing experience, while the Yanyu offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound would come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, both the Sky V3 and the Yanyu switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Yanyu switch, however, offers additional qualities such as feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a lighter keypress, gentle resistance, and smooth key travel. This makes the Yanyu switch an excellent choice for users who type for extended periods and are looking for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Dareu Sky V3 and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer high-quality linear switch options with neutral sound profiles and mild typing experiences. While the Sky V3 is praised for its comfort and precision, the Yanyu provides a more delicate typing experience with additional features like a thocky sound profile, feathery keypress, and polished finish. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on your specific typing preferences and the overall feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight that offers a balance of comfort and precision, the Sky V3 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue, the Yanyu switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing habits.
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