Dareu Sky V4 vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth linear action that provides a satisfying typing experience. The Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches are known for their pillowy light type feel and rich sound profile. While the Sky V4 offers a thocky and neutral typing experience, the Wine Red switches provide a bassy and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Dareu Sky V4 and the KTT Wine Red, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their housing components. The Sky V4 utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting setups. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the POK material of the Sky V4 focuses more on durability and smoothness, while the polycarbonate of the Wine Red enhances sound clarity and aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the Sky V4 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Alternatively, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart. However, the difference in sound profiles between the two switches may stem from the unique characteristics of the materials used in their bottom housings. While the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing aims for a more subdued sound, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of clear and resonant sound profiles.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall switch experience, it becomes apparent that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. With the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release, the combination of materials in a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While the Dareu Sky V4 and KTT Wine Red may offer slightly different characteristics due to their housing material choices, users can expect similar results in terms of durability, smoothness, and sound profile based on the properties of POK and polycarbonate materials.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, also falling into the medium-light category. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, so typing on either switch would result in a similar experience in terms of resistance when fully pressed. The main difference lies in the actuation force, with the Dareu Sky V4 being slightly heavier. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Wine Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky V4. The shorter travel distance of the Sky V4 may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Wine Red may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the user's specific typing or gaming needs.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a rich and pleasing auditory feedback while typing. Both switches excel in providing a deep and rich sound profile, making them suitable choices for those who enjoy a more bass-heavy typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not available. However, given the pillowy light type feel mentioned in its description, it is likely to offer a smooth and gentle typing experience that complements its satisfying sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. While the Sky V4 is known for its thocky sound and bouncy feel, the Wine Red stands out with its bassy sound profile. If you are looking for a deep and rich typing experience, either switch would be a great choice, as they both provide a satisfying sound signature that complements the smooth linear action. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and potentially feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and satisfying typing experience, then the Sky V4 switch with its innovative POK material and 55-gram bottom out force may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a pillowy light type feel, the Wine Red switch with the same 55-gram bottom out force could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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