Dareu Sky V4 vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Twilight present unique options for typists craving a smooth linear experience. The Sky V4 stands out with its innovative POK material in the top housing, delivering a deeper and more resonant sound signature that perfectly complements its silky smooth linear action. This switch is known for its "thocky," neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy characteristics, promising a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, allowing for a quieter keystroke that still embodies the signature clackiness associated with HMX switches. While both switches provide distinct linear experiences, the Sky V4 caters to those who appreciate a richer sound profile, whereas the Twilight appeals to users who prefer a slightly more subdued yet equally responsive typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Twilight, significant differences emerge in the choice of top housing. The Sky V4 utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which boasts impressive characteristics, including durability and a smooth typing experience. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers superior slickness compared to the nylon housing typically employed in the Twilight. This higher coefficient allows for a quicker keypress action while providing resilience that is 14 times stronger than POM and boasts remarkable shock resistance. This strengthens the overall performance and longevity of the Sky V4, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined, responsive feel in their keyboard.
In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs nylon as the material for its top housing. Nylon is a classic choice often favored for its ability to produce a distinctive sound profile when typing. As it is slightly softer than POK, the nylon absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. While the POK top housing of the Sky V4 focuses more on providing a slick and durable interaction with less sound absorption, the Twilight’s nylon material accentuates sound dampening, resulting in a duller but rounded auditory feedback. This divergence in material choices affects how users experience typing, with the Sky V4 emphasizing responsiveness and durability while the Twilight leans towards a richer acoustic profile.
Despite these differences in top housing materials, both the Sky V4 and the Twilight share nylon for their bottom housings. This shared element leads to similar auditory characteristics, as both switches will exhibit that fuller and deeper sound profile intrinsic to nylon. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, users of both switches will experience a comparable tactile response despite the variance in the top housings. Therefore, while the specific material choices shape the overall performance and sound, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that players will still enjoy a satisfying experience in terms of acoustic feedback in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch with the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the HMX Twilight offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter feel might gravitate towards the Twilight, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Sky V4 provides a slightly heavier push, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Twilight is the lighter option of the two, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, whereas the Sky V4 could be preferable for users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback from their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Sky V4 measuring 3.6 mm and the Twilight measuring 3.85 mm. This makes the Sky V4 the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for typing comfort and depth, making it a potentially better choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Therefore, while both switches have their merits based on user preferences, the Sky V4 is more suited for those seeking responsiveness, while the Twilight is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the differences become apparent. The Sky V4 is celebrated for its thocky nature, producing a deep and satisfying sound with a low-pitched, rich tone that evokes a sense of fullness with every keystroke. The innovation of POK material in its housing contributes to this depth, making it an auditory delight for typists who enjoy the tactile feedback that accompanies the sound. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Twilight switch is characterized by its quieter operation due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. While specific auditory descriptors for the Twilight are not provided, it generally leans towards milder acoustic feedback compared to the Sky V4, which may suit those looking for a less obtrusive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Sky V4 switch stands out with its bouncy characteristic, offering a springy and elastic feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This bounce adds a lively sensation with each keypress, allowing typists to enjoy a responsive interaction with the keyboard. Unfortunately, no specific feel descriptors are available for the HMX Twilight, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. Without this insight, it could be speculated that the Twilight may deliver a smoother or more subdued typing experience, but the exact qualities remain uncertain.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a thocky auditory experience combined with a bouncy tactile sensation. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with an extended travel distance, though its precise sound and feel attributes are less defined. Those who prioritize a rich, acoustic typing experience might gravitate towards the Sky V4, while users looking for a subtle and smooth experience could find the Twilight appealing. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences, listening to the distinct sound profiles, and the tactile sensations that cater best to one's typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Twilight linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and requirements. If you appreciate a richer auditory experience and a slightly firmer key press, the Sky V4 is an excellent option. With its 55 grams bottom out force and unique POK material, it delivers a deeper, thocky sound that can make your typing feel more satisfying. This switch's bouncy feel also enhances your keystrokes, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively response when typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, quieter keystroke, the HMX Twilight with its 50 grams bottom out force might be more suitable for you. Its extended travel distance of 3.85mm provides a softer sound signature while maintaining the responsive feel typical of HMX switches. Thus, if you're someone who types for long periods or prefers a more subdued typing experience—perhaps in a shared or quiet environment—the Twilight is likely the better choice for you. By considering these factors, you'll be able to select the switch that aligns best with your style and needs, ensuring a more enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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