Dareu Sky V4 vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky V4 and the TTC Venus both offer unique and enticing features for typists seeking a premium typing experience. The Sky V4 sets itself apart with its utilization of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deep sound profile that complements its smooth linear action. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', this switch provides a rich and satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts an innovative internal configuration that combines a seamless glide with a unique "Q-texture" for a smooth and engaging typing experience. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky', the Venus offers rapid, effortless typing with a muted sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the TTC Venus, we can see a clear distinction in the materials used for their top housings. The Sky V4 utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus incorporates a POM top housing, praised for its unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both excel in providing a robust and long-lasting housing for the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Sky V4 opts for a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the Venus utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material greatly influences the overall sound and feel of the switches, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Dareu Sky V4 and TTC Venus both prioritize providing a quality typing experience through their top and bottom housing choices. While the Sky V4 aims for a smooth and clacky sound with its POK top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Venus leans towards a more unique and muted sound with its POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the contrasting materials used in each switch contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, the Dareu Sky V4 has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Venus with 52 grams, making the Sky V4 slightly heavier when fully pressing the keys. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Venus, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Dareu Sky V4.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Dareu Sky V4 for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the TTC Venus with its slightly longer travel distance. In either case, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a good balance between depth and responsiveness.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 thocky sound signature, producing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various uses, but the Sky V4 leans towards a more low-pitched sound while the Venus emphasizes a muted and subdued auditory experience. When considering sound preferences, the Sky V4 will offer a deeper and richer tone, while the Venus will provide a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is noted for its bouncy feedback, giving the keys a lively and spring-like feel with a satisfying rebound when pressed. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing experience, along with a gummy bottom-out sensation reminiscent of a trampoline or gummy bear. The Venus switch also boasts a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction and effortless key travel. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Sky V4 focuses on a bouncy feel, while the Venus emphasizes a buttery and frictionless sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Sky V4 excels in providing a thocky sound profile and bouncy feel, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience with a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its low-pitched and muted sound, along with a buttery and frictionless feel that delivers smooth and effortless key presses. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the deep and rich tones of the Sky V4 or the softer and smoother typing experience of the Venus, both promising a high-quality mechanical switch performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action, the Sky V4 with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a nearly frictionless glide, a captivating "Q-texture," and very light actuation for rapid typing, the Venus with its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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