Dareu Sky V4 vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that perfectly suits your typing style and sound preference, the Dareu Sky V4 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both present compelling options, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Sky V4 is celebrated for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile that enhances its smooth linear action, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a rich auditory feedback along with a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) showcases Ly stems that contribute to a super smooth keystroke, offering a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. While both switches are linear and prioritize a smooth actuation, the Sky V4 leans towards a thocky, lower-pitched sound, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a more resonant experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a deeper sound or a smoother keystroke. 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 (Heavy) Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Sky V4 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) exhibit contrasting characteristics when it comes to their top housing materials. The Sky V4 employs POK (polyketone), a material noted for its smoothness with a low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This allows for a more fluid typing experience, contributing to a smooth and clacky sound profile. In comparison, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer plastic not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches but also produces a higher-pitched auditory experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting implementations, as it allows the illumination to shine through more effectively than POK, which is generally designed for enhanced smoothness and durability.

However, in terms of their bottom housings, both switches opt for nylon—a classic choice in the realm of switch materials. The use of nylon contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Since both the Sky V4 and the Tomcat (Heavy) share this bottom housing material, users can expect a similar acoustic experience when bottoming out on either switch. Even though the top housings are different, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches will still provide that recognizable depth characteristic of nylon switches.

Ultimately, when considering the overall performance of each switch, the characteristics brought forth by the combination of their materials play a crucial role. While the Sky V4 focuses on maximized smoothness and durability with its POK top housing, the Tomcat (Heavy) leans towards enhanced sound clarity with polycarbonate. However, with both utilizing nylon in the bottom housing, the full typing experience will be influenced by a balance of both styles. Users will appreciate the distinct sound profiles created by the different top housings, while still enjoying the deep, rounded acoustics attributed to nylon in the base of both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch and may benefit from longer typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and heavier tactile feedback. When it comes to bottom out force, the Sky V4's 55 grams is also lighter compared to the Tomcat's 64 grams, further emphasizing the heavier nature of the Tomcat switch. Thus, those seeking a lighter option for extended use would prefer the Sky V4, while those desiring a firmer feel should choose the Tomcat (Heavy). Overall, the Sky V4 proposes a medium-light experience, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy approach, making them distinctly different in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they both provide identical tactile feedback when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable response in terms of how far the switches travel from the top to the bottom, ensuring a uniform keypress experience across both options. As they share the same travel distance, either switch would likely deliver similar performance in terms of actuation feel during typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is celebrated for its thocky profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying acoustic experience when pressed. This switch produces a low-pitched sound that resonates with a mellow tone, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a deep thud upon actuation. The sound profile is also termed neutral, which allows for versatility in different settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors are not detailed. This implies that it likely provides a satisfying auditory feedback, though it may not have the same depth or richness attributed to the Sky V4.

Regarding the feel, both switch types focus on delivering a smooth typing experience, with the Sky V4’s use of POK material contributing to its performance. While the Sky V4's specific feel qualities are not outlined, the Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems designed for enhanced smoothness during key presses. This suggests that both switches likely offer a pleasant tactile experience, though the Tomcat may edge out slightly in terms of smoothness due to its stem design.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky V4 and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to similar user preferences, emphasizing sound and feel that is satisfying for both typists and gamers alike. While the Sky V4 excels in delivering a rich, low-pitched sound, the Tomcat (Heavy) is noted for its resonance and superior smoothness. Ultimately, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience from either switch, with the Sky V4 leaning towards a deeper auditory profile, while the Tomcat may provide a more refined tactile sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you favor a medium-light switch with a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Sky V4 is an excellent choice. Its thocky sound and low-pitched resonance provide a deeper auditory experience, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a rich sound without excessive resistance during typing sessions. This makes it particularly well-suited for casual gaming and office work where a quieter, yet pleasurable sound is preferred. On the other hand, if you seek a heavier switch that provides more resistance and a distinct feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) will cater to your desires. Its 64 grams of bottom-out force and notable smoothness due to the Ly stems deliver a sturdier typing experience, perfect for individuals who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation as they type, and those who may engage more in heavy typing or gaming scenarios. Understanding your typing style and sound preferences will guide you in making the best switch choice between these two unique options.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more