Dareu Sky V4 vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Sky V4 and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches. The Sky V4 is best known for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, providing a deep sound signature and smooth linear action for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches, inspired by the basketball duo Steph and Klay, offer a shorter activation with a long pole stem for a unique typing feel and a creamy sound signature. While the Sky V4 is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Splash Brothers are labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and Jwick Splash Brothers, it is clear that they offer distinct characteristics. The Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both materials excel in their respective attributes, the POK material of the Sky V4 provides a smoother typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers offers a more resonant sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Sky V4 and Splash Brothers opt for nylon. This classic switch housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on other factors such as keycap design or switch mechanism. However, in terms of sound dynamics, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics.
Overall, while the Dareu Sky V4 and the Jwick Splash Brothers may differ in their choice of top housing material, both switches offer a combination of smoothness, durability, and sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a switch with a smoother and clacky feel like the Sky V4 or a crisper sound profile like the Splash Brothers, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. With the top housing affecting the sound when pressing and releasing a key, and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, each switch offers a unique tactile and auditory experience for enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Splash Brothers switch requires less force to bottom out compared to the Sky V4. In terms of weight, the Splash Brothers is lighter than the Sky V4. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Sky V4 providing a slightly heavier typing experience while the Splash Brothers offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch will impact the typing and gaming experience, with some preferring a lighter touch for extended use and others opting for a heavier, more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. For those who prefer a more responsive key press, the Sky V4 may be the better option, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper key press may prefer the Splash Brothers. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a balance between speed and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
The Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that provides a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch delivers a neutral sound profile that is creamy and pleasant to the ears. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Sky V4 leans towards a deeper and more bass-heavy tone, while the Splash Brothers provides a more neutral and approachable sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, with a snappy and polished feel that enhances responsiveness and smoothness. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Sky V4 offering a more lively and bouncy feel, while the Splash Brothers provides a gentle and polished typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Sky V4 and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities to cater to varying preferences. The Sky V4 excels in providing a thocky and bouncy typing experience with a deep sound signature, while the Splash Brothers offers a creamy and polished feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the innovative POK material in the Sky V4 for a deeper experience or opt for the dynamic activation and long pole stem of the Splash Brothers for a more subtle and snappy typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a deeper sound signature accompanied by a smooth linear action, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature with a shorter activation and long pole stem for a unique typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch may be the better option for your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience for you. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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