Dareu Sky V4 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Vintage Citrus both stand out in the linear category but cater to different preferences and user experiences. The Dareu Sky V4 switch is celebrated for its innovative POK material in the top housing, producing a deeper sound signature paired with a smooth linear action that delivers a rich, thocky typing experience ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying keystroke during long typing sessions or casual use. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailored specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables lightning-fast inputs and a bright, clacky sound profile that invigorates the gaming experience. While the Sky V4 offers a more nuanced, low-pitched feedback perfect for typing, the Vintage Citrus excels in rapid responses and an energetic soundscape that gamers crave. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The nylon material is known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This characteristic results in a sound that is softer and more rounded when keys are bottomed out, making both switches appealing to users who prefer a more muted typing experience. The uniform emphasis on nylon in the bottom housing across both switches creates a similar tactile and auditory experience for users, emphasizing the depth of sound.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches are where they diverge significantly. The Sky V4 features a POK top housing, known for its low coefficient of friction, shock resistance, and exceptional durability. The POK material contributes to a smoother keystroke, enhancing the clack and feel when releasing a key, thanks to its strength compared to commonly used materials like POM and Nylon. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which, while providing a softer sound profile, may lack the same level of smoothness and durability that the POK material offers. Consequently, this difference in top housing materials will yield variations in the overall typing experience, with the Sky V4 leaning towards a sharper, crisper sound on release.
The combination of these materials leads to distinctive experiences when utilizing the switches. While both models benefit from nylon in the bottom aspect, it’s the contrasting qualities of the top housings that define their character. Users of the Sky V4 can expect a unique mix of smoothness and durability with enhanced clack sounds during key release, while those engaging with the Vintage Citrus will enjoy a softer, warmer sound profile throughout, albeit with less precision in the release. Nonetheless, both switches can provide satisfying experiences due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a level of acoustic depth that resonates with typists seeking a more subdued keypress sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find some interesting distinctions. The Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires slightly more effort with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Sky V4 the lighter option overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, being a bit heavier in terms of actuation force, offers a more substantial push feel that some typists and gamers may favor for a more pronounced feedback. Despite their differences, both switches fall within the medium-light category, providing a comfortable typing experience without being excessively heavy. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Sky V4, while those seeking a firmer feel might opt for the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the differences become quite clear. The Sky V4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This places the Sky V4 in the realm of slightly deeper travel, which some users may find offers a more substantial feel when actuating the switch, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive key press, often favored by gamers looking for fast actuation times. Ultimately, if someone values a deeper, more pronounced feedback, the Sky V4 with its longer travel is the better choice. In contrast, for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus would likely be the more appealing option.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched tone, generating a deep and satisfying auditory experience that many typists appreciate. This switch's design, featuring POK material in the top housing, contributes to a rich sound signature that can resonate well, particularly in quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibits a bright and clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy profile that is invigorating for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This difference means that while the Sky V4 delivers a mellow and bass-heavy sound ideal for focused typing sessions, the Vintage Citrus is suited for an energetic environment where rapid key presses are the norm.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V4's specific feedback characteristics are not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile responsiveness. However, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed to provide a snappy and invigorating experience, thanks to its low actuation force and responsive mechanism. This responsiveness not only makes each key press feel alive but also contributes to a faster typing experience, accommodating rapid-fire inputs typically favored by gamers. The absence of specific descriptors for the Sky V4 means that potential users may not have a clear picture of what to expect, emphasizing the need for personal testing to determine the suitability of the switch for their typing habits.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky V4 and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Sky V4 offers a deeper, thocky sound that appeals to typists seeking a rich typing ambiance, while the Vintage Citrus brings a bright and clacky sound, perfect for those who value rapid and responsive keyboard inputs. Although the feel of the Sky V4 remains unclear, the invigorating and snappy nature of the Vintage Citrus suggests a more engaging typing experience for gamers. For newcomers, understanding these differences can significantly enhance their choice of a mechanical switch that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you prefer a typing experience characterized by a deeper sound profile, smooth actions, and a pleasant thocky feedback, the Sky V4 is likely your best choice. Its unique POK material enhances durability while providing a rich and satisfying acoustic experience, making it particularly suited for typing-intensive tasks or for those who enjoy a more tactile yet smooth interaction with their keys. Conversely, if you are a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch would be more advantageous. Its low actuation force and snappy feedback will allow you to execute rapid inputs with minimal effort, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. The bright, clacky sound adds an exhilarating auditory dimension, enhancing your gaming experience. Ultimately, assess whether you lean more towards a fulfilling typing experience or a rapid-fire gaming performance to make the most informed choice.
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