Dareu Sky V4 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it's clear that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sky V4 stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that pairs well with its smooth linear action, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, with a balanced tactility that offers a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. While the Sky V4 is described as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy', the Viola Tricolor is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons for choosing them, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, we see distinct differences in their choices. The Sky V4 utilizes POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, resulting in smooth, clacky, and durable switches. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor opts for polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both excel in their durability and shock resistance, ensuring long-lasting switches for users.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Sky V4 and the Viola Tricolor use nylon. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches utilizing the same material for their bottom housing, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of the switch when it is pressed down remains significant, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Sky V4 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor results in unique sound profiles and typing experiences for users. While the Sky V4's POK top housing offers smoothness and durability, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Similarly, both switches benefit from the deeper and fuller sound profile produced by the nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a smoother typing experience with the Sky V4 or a sharper sound profile with the Viola Tricolor, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall performance of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor's unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Sky V4 is also lighter at 55 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Sky V4 would provide a smoother and easier typing experience with a lighter touch, ideal for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor would offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the Sky V4 with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more pronounced key press with a bit more depth, the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound profile that resonates with each key press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a unique and punchy auditory experience. Both switches offer a pleasant sound that adds to the overall typing experience, with the Sky V4 offering a deeper tone and the Viola Tricolor providing a character-filled sound with a touch of richness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is defined as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying amount of tactility. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort by offering a distinct feel with each key press, ensuring a responsive and engaging typing experience. Whether you prefer a bouncy sensation or a more invigorating feedback, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sky V4 excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound with a bouncy feel, the Viola Tricolor impresses with a bassy sound and an accented, invigorating feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feedback. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying and immersive typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear action with a deep sound profile, the Sky V4 switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a punchy and thuddy sound profile, and a tactile switch with pronounced feedback that strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness, the Viola Tricolor switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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