Dareu Sky V4 vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky V4 and the Bsun Tomcat both present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Sky V4 excels with its innovative POK material in the top housing, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a deeper sound signature and a satisfying thocky feel—a combination that appeals to those who enjoy a rich auditory feedback without sacrificing the smoothness associated with linear switches. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch showcases its own strengths with Ly stems, promising a super smooth typing experience along with a resonant sound profile. While both switches cater to users looking for a comfortable and fluid typing experience, the choice between them may ultimately hinge on personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Bsun Tomcat, distinct differences arise, particularly in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Sky V4 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which boasts a coefficient of friction of 0.04, resulting in a smooth typing experience. Its exceptional strength and durability, seen in its 14 times greater wear resistance compared to POM and its outstanding shock resistance in relation to Nylon and POM, contribute to a more robust performance. In contrast, the Tomcat features polycarbonate as its top housing material, known for its stiffer composition, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic appeal, especially for users seeking vibrant RGB lighting effects.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, aligning in the use of this classic material. The nylon in both the Sky V4 and Tomcat contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively due to its softer plastic nature. This shared component invites a similar auditory experience when typing across both switches, as their bottom housing characteristics will lead to a consistent, rounder sound quality. Consequently, the shared nylon material ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a warm, muted acoustic experience while typing.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials does provide unique sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing unifies the two switches in terms of the deeper sound it produces. While the Sky V4's POK top housing focuses on durability and a smooth typing action, the Tomcat's polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. In essence, when pressed, users will experience a medley of auditory characteristics: the tonal depth of nylon from both switches and the individual qualities attributed to their distinct top housings. Thus, while the top designs diverge, the end user may find a familiar warmth in sound and feel, thanks to the nylon bottoms in both models.

Weight

The Dareu Sky V4 and Bsun Tomcat linear switches exhibit similarities and slight differences in their performance characteristics. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that users can expect a similar ease of triggering a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without excessive strain. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Sky V4 requiring 55 grams to bottom out compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams. This marginal difference suggests that while both switches provide a medium-light feel, the Sky V4 may offer a slightly more substantial bottoming out experience. Overall, both switches classify as medium-light, making them appealing to users who favor a lighter touch; however, those seeking a stiffer feel might find the marginal difference in the bottom out force worth considering.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that they provide the same key press depth when activated. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable feedback and response when typing or gaming with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals seeking a uniform typing experience can confidently choose between them, knowing they will achieve similar results in terms of key actuation and feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch stands out with its thocky, low-pitched profile, which produces a deep and satisfying auditory experience when key presses are executed. This switch is crafted to resonate a rich sound signature that can enhance the overall typing atmosphere, whether at home or in an office setting. Its neutral sound also makes it versatile, catering well to both newcomers and seasoned typists. In comparison, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, specific descriptors and characteristics have not been detailed. Therefore, while the Sky V4 provides a defined auditory experience, the Tomcat may offer varied sound qualities that are less explicitly categorized.

In terms of feel, the Sky V4 excels as well, offering a bouncy sensation that gives a delightful spring-like feedback upon pressing. This lively responsiveness can enhance the typing experience, providing users with an enjoyable tactile rebound. The Tomcat switch, on the other hand, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its feel, leaving some uncertainty about the specific tactile experiences it provides. That said, the smoothness attributed to the Tomcat’s Ly stems could imply a consistent linear action, albeit without the pronounced bounciness of the Sky V4.

Considering the overall comparison, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch promises a rich auditory and tactile experience, characterized by its thocky sound and bouncy feel. In contrast, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch may exhibit a resonant sound, its detailed qualities remain less clear. For those looking to achieve similar sensations, it is essential to take into account that sound and feel can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard assembly, keycaps, and personal typing style, making both switches potentially appealing for different reasons.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences for sound profile and typing experience. If you find yourself drawn to a deeper, thocky sound that provides a rich auditory feedback while typing, the Sky V4 would be an excellent choice for you. Its bouncy feel can enhance the typing experience, providing a lively springiness that adds to the satisfaction of each keypress. This makes it particularly enjoyable for both typing and gaming sessions where a more dynamic feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Tomcat could be the better option for you. While it also provides a resonant response, it does so with different characteristics that may appeal to those who favor a straightforward, clean keystroke without the bounciness. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the acoustic environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more