Dareu Sky V4 vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Sky V4 stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action that provides a rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a bouncy and low-pitched feel with the Sky V4 or a buttery and stepped tactile experience with the Taro. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Jwick Taro, we see a stark difference in the materials used. The Sky V4 features a POK top housing, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability, while the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, favored for its sharp and clear sound profile. While both materials are top choices for switch housings, the POK material offers a smoother and clacky typing experience, while polycarbonate provides a crisper and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, giving them a unique visual appeal.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Sky V4 and the Taro opt for nylon. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housings, known for producing a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This choice ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound and feel. By using nylon for the bottom housing, both the Sky V4 and the Taro maintain consistency in the quality of sound produced, making them reliable options for those seeking a pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Sky V4 and the Jwick Taro comes down to personal preference. While the Sky V4's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable typing experience, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a clearer and crisper sound profile. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a deep and full sound while typing. Whether you prioritize smoothness and durability or sharpness and clarity in sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for in a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that the Sky V4 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, both falling in the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, but the actuation force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V4 for longer typing sessions or gaming, while users who prefer a more substantial push feel might opt for the Taro tactile switch for a heavier typing experience. Although the actuation force of the Taro is not specified, it is likely to provide a tactile feedback that the Sky V4 may lack, giving users a different typing experience despite the differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. The Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Sky V4 with its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel may lean towards the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 V4 linear switch offers a deep and rich "thocky" sound, which can be very satisfying for typists looking for a more profound auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a crisp and acute sound that complements its medium-level of tactility, giving a more snappy typing experience. Both switches, being described as having a neutral sound profile, make them suitable for various environments and preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing sound regardless of the choice between linear or tactile switches.
In terms of feel, the Sky V4 linear switch is characterized as having a bouncy feedback, providing typists with a lively sensation that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as offering a buttery and smooth keystroke, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is noted for its stepped tactility, providing users with a more nuanced typing feel by offering pre-travel and/or post-travel stages in the keystroke. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, whether one prefers a more lively and bouncy feel or a smooth and buttery keystroke sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that can appeal to different types of typists. While the Sky V4 provides a deeper and more thocky sound with a bouncy feel, the Taro switch offers a crisper sound with a buttery keystroke and stepped tactility. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that showcases the innovation and diversity found within the mechanical keyboard community, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch that matches their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a smoother linear action with a deeper sound signature, the Sky V4 may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy tactile feedback with a cozy typing experience, the Taro switch might be more up your alley. Additionally, take into account the actuation force of each switch, with the Sky V4 being medium-light at 55 grams and the Taro being medium-heavy at 67 grams. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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