Dareu Sky V4 vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, providing typists with a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action for a rich typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red boasts a 22mm double-stage spring for a bouncy and responsive feel, along with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke, creating a substantial typing experience. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This common material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. However, the slight difference in manufacturing process or design might lead to subtle variations in the sound produced by each switch. Despite this, users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out keys on both the Sky V4 and the WS Red, as the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in this aspect.
On the other hand, when it comes to the top housing material, the Sky V4 utilizes POK while the WS Red uses nylon. The POK material in the Sky V4 is renowned for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound profile, offering a unique typing experience that sets it apart from the WS Red. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Red contributes to a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper acoustic resonance that differs from the characteristics of the Sky V4. The choice between POK and nylon for the top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound signature of these two switches.
Overall, while both the Dareu Sky V4 and the Wuque Studio WS Red feature nylon bottom housings that enhance the acoustics and tactile feedback of the switches, their top housing materials differentiate them in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The POK material in the Sky V4 offers a smoother and clackier sound, while the WS Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics, users can choose between these switches to cater to their specific needs and preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Dareu Sky V4 provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a bit shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the WS Red provides a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Sky V4. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Sky V4 due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the WS Red to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 Wuque Studio WS Red 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
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is praised for its thocky sound profile, offering typists a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This complements its smooth linear action, providing an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a classic sound signature due to its material blend, providing a familiar typing sound while incorporating a heavier actuation force for a substantial feel. While the specific sound characteristics of the WS Red switch are not provided, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. This adds a dynamic element to the typing experience, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch are not specified. However, based on the information available, it can be inferred that the WS Red switch likely offers a responsive and tactile typing experience due to its 22mm double-stage spring design.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Sky V4 provides a thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the WS Red switch is likely to offer a classic sound signature and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and deeper typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch with its innovative POK material and thocky sound profile would be an excellent choice for you. However, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a bouncy, responsive typing feel, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch with its double-stage spring and satisfyingly substantial keystrokes might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and desired sound and feel when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Sky V4 and WS Red comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value the most.
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