Dareu Sky V4 vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky V4 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Sky V4's linear switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action for a rich typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio boasts a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and "thocky" sound from nylon housings, providing a profound tactile typing experience. While the Sky V4 is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the WS Heavy Tactile is labeled as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, but to truly determine the best switch for you, a deeper dive into their specific attributes is essential.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when the bottom housing material is considered.
However, the key point of differentiation lies in the top housing material used in each switch. The Sky V4 utilizes POK material, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, which also offers a smooth typing experience but with a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shows that while both switches may offer a similar level of durability, the user experience in terms of sound and feel may vary due to the top housing material choice.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Sky V4 and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will come down to personal preference for typing experience. The POK top housing in the Sky V4 will provide a smooth and clacky feel, while the nylon top housing in the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches, however, share the benefits of nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent level of sound absorption and typing feel. Ultimately, it's important to consider whether a smooth and durable typing experience or a deeper and fuller sound profile is more important when making a decision between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Sky V4 is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams as well. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sky V4 requires 55 grams while the WS Heavy Tactile needs 70 grams, making the WS Heavy Tactile the heavier option. This means that the Sky V4 provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier force, which may be favored by users looking for a more pronounced keystroke feedback. In both cases, the actuation force remains the same, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke, regardless of the overall force required for bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. The Sky V4 may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which could feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying thocky sound when pressed, which is conducive to a calming typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch provides a resonant and high-pitched clacky sound, creating a sharp and percussive typing experience that is more attention-grabbing. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Sky V4 offering a more subdued and mellow sound while the WS Heavy Tactile delivers a more vibrant and resonant auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Sky V4 is described as bouncy, providing a lively and spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience by offering a slight rebound when pressed. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating and snappy feel, characterized by a sharp and strong tactile bump that provides a distinct feedback with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile responses that cater to different preferences, with the Sky V4 focusing on a more lively and bouncy feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a sharper and more pronounced tactile sensation.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Sky V4 excels in providing a smooth and deep sound with a bouncy feedback sensation, ideal for those seeking a calming and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more attention-grabbing and sharp sound with an invigorating and snappy tactile feel, perfect for individuals looking for a more engaging and pronounced typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one seeks to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth linear action with a deeper sound profile, the Sky V4 with its 55g bottom out force and bouncy feel would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with a 70g bottom out force and a "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its immersive resistance and accented feel might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will determine which switch suits your needs best.