Dareu Sky V4 vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can make or break your typing experience, and two standout options worth considering are the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch. The Sky V4 is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material, creating a deeper, richer sound signature paired with a smooth linear action that's perfect for typists seeking a satisfying and quiet experience. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a balanced typing experience with its neutral sound profile and enhanced stability thanks to a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This provides a polished and silky feel that appeals to those who value both tactile feedback and a refined keystroke. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness and sound in the Sky V4 versus a balanced feel and refined performance in the Sticky Rice (V2)—the right choice ultimately depends on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Sky V4 and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their respective auditory and tactile experiences. The Sky V4 employs a POK material for its top housing, recognized for its smoothness and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This enhanced smoothness results in a more fluid keystroke experience, while its strength—exhibiting wear resistance 14 times that of POM—ensures longevity and stability. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, which, while not as smooth as POK, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The property of polycarbonate that contributes to this distinctive sound is its stiffness, allowing for clarity and resonance that complements RGB lighting features due to its translucent nature. Therefore, while both switches provide desirable performance characteristics, their sound profiles diverge markedly, with the Sky V4 favoring smoothness and the Sticky Rice (V2) leaning towards a bright auditory clarity.

Examining the bottom housing, both the Sky V4 and Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon, a classic choice among keyboard enthusiasts. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience in both cases. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback are similar when pressing the switches. Users will encounter the signature plush feel that nylon provides, which tends to create a rounder acoustic character. Thus, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer an analogous performance, allowing for a satisfying typing experience that retains a level of consistency across both switch variants.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch reveals how these different properties interact to create unique user experiences. The Sky V4, with its POK top housing and nylon bottom, is optimized for a smooth keystroke complemented by a rich, full sound. Contrastingly, the Sticky Rice (V2) leverages polycarbonate to deliver a more resonant and high-pitched sound, while still retaining the characteristic deeper tones of nylon in the bottom. This interplay illustrates that even when the materials differ, similar results can be achieved in terms of tactile and auditory feedback, depending on which part of the switch is being engaged. Users may prefer one switch over the other, depending on their auditory preferences or key feel, yet both mechanisms fully utilize their materials to create enjoyable keystrokes.

Weight

The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the lighter switch overall, while the Sky V4 is the heavier option. The difference in these forces implies that users who prefer a more effortless keystroke might gravitate towards the Everglide switch, as it provides a gentler typing experience ideal for prolonged use. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial and firm push feel might find the Dareu switch more satisfying. Both switches succeed in delivering distinct tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming scenarios.

Travel distance

The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit slight differences in their travel distances, with the Sky V4 measuring 3.6 mm and the Sticky Rice (V2) at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the shorter switch by a margin of 0.1 mm, offering a marginally quicker response time, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster actuation. However, for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Sky V4's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying experience, as it can offer a deeper feedback during key presses. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, those who value a slight edge in responsiveness may lean toward the Sticky Rice (V2), while those who appreciate a more pronounced sensation might favor the Sky V4.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both offer a low-pitched acoustic signature that contributes to a satisfying typing experience. The Sky V4 is characterized by its deeper, thocky tone, which produces a rich, bass-heavy sound reminiscent of a soft knock when the key is pressed and released. This can make it particularly appealing for users who seek an engaging auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), while also low-pitched, presents a more neutral sound signature that hints at the desirable thock without the pronounced depth of the Sky V4. This acoustic balance makes the Sticky Rice suitable in environments where a less pronounced sound might be preferable. Ultimately, both switches provide a low-pitched auditory experience, but the Sky V4 leans towards a deeper resonance compared to the more tempered response of the Sticky Rice.

In terms of feel, the Sky V4 lacks specific descriptors, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat undefined, but the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) excels in this department. The Sticky Rice features a polished, silky, and buttery feel thanks to its well-crafted components and often factory-lubed design, resulting in remarkably smooth keystrokes and reduced friction. This makes typing effortless, ideally complementing a variety of typing styles from casual typing to more aggressive gaming. The mild characteristics of the Sticky Rice switch mean it provides an approachable experience, striking a balance that caters to many users. The Sky V4, while smooth in its actuation, does not provide specific insights into its feel, making it difficult to compare directly in this aspect.

In summary, the Dareu Sky V4 and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Sky V4 is notable for its deeper, richer sound signature, which offers a satisfying thocky quality, while the Sticky Rice switch provides a balanced auditory experience with a neutral sound profile that still hints at the coveted thock. On the tactile front, the Sky V4’s feel remains undefined, whereas the Sticky Rice showcases several desirable characteristics, including a polished and buttery smooth keystroke. Each switch will cater to different user preferences depending on their desired sound and feel, presenting two compelling options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing styles. If you favor a medium-light force with a deeper sound signature that enhances the tactile experience, the Sky V4 is an excellent choice. Its construction with POK material delivers a unique satisfaction for typists who enjoy a thocky and low-pitched audio feedback, along with a smooth linear action that ensures an enjoyable typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch that offers a buttery and polished feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) should be your go-to. Its neutral sound profile combined with remarkable smoothness and reduced wobble makes it a versatile pick for both casual and more serious typing tasks, satisfying those who appreciate a refined, silky touch without sacrificing an engaging sound experience. Therefore, evaluate your typing habits, sound preferences, and the environments in which you will be using your keyboard to determine the switch that will best elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more