Dareu Sky V4 vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Strawberry mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience with unique features. The Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, providing a deeper sound signature along with a smooth linear action. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its attractive pink and clear housings, delivering a comfortable and reliable typing experience. The Sky V4 is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', while the Strawberry is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Strawberry, it is clear that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to their overall performance. The Sky V4's POK top housing offers smoothness and durability, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound profile and aesthetic appeal due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile.
While the top housing materials of the Sky V4 and the Strawberry differ in terms of their specific qualities, the bottom housing materials of both switches share similar characteristics. The Sky V4's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both materials contribute to absorbing sound and creating a more rounded overall sound experience. Additionally, the use of unique materials in both top and bottom housing ensures a well-rounded and balanced sound profile for each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Strawberry comes down to personal preference and the specific sound profile and aesthetics desired. The Sky V4 offers smoothness and durability in its POK top housing, along with a deeper sound profile from its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a sharper sound profile and translucency in its polycarbonate top housing, coupled with a clear and resonant sound from its polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prioritize smoothness and durability or sharpness and clarity, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sky V4 requires 55 grams, while the Strawberry needs 62 grams. This makes the Sky V4 a bit lighter overall in terms of bottom out force compared to the Strawberry. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V4, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel might opt for the KTT Strawberry. Ultimately, the difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly varied typing experience, but for users looking for similar results, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sky V4 provides a quicker and more responsive feel when typing or gaming compared to the Strawberry switch, which offers a slightly deeper key press. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Dareu Sky V4 for its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more deliberate key press may lean towards the KTT Strawberry. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 is known for its deep and thocky sound signature, which provides a satisfying typing experience with a low-pitched tone. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are likely to produce a pleasing sound when pressed, with the Sky V4 offering a deeper and richer thocky sound, while the Strawberry delivers a more mellow and low-pitched tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation with a rebound when pressed. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is renowned for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. While the Sky V4 focuses on a bouncy feel, the Strawberry excels in providing a fluid and polished typing experience with a silky and buttery touch.
Overall, the Dareu Sky V4 and KTT Strawberry linear switches each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Sky V4 is best known for its thocky sound and bouncy feel, while the Strawberry stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between the deeper and bouncy experience of the Sky V4 or the smooth and frictionless sensation of the Strawberry, both promising a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will achieve similar levels of typing enjoyment with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a deeper sound signature with a smooth linear action, the Dareu Sky V4 switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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