Dareu Sky V4 vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky V4 and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Sky V4 is renowned for its use of POK material in the top housing, which results in a deeper and more resonant sound profile. This switch creates a smooth and bouncy linear action, perfect for those who appreciate the satisfying acoustics that accompany their typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a PA12 top housing that delivers a softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that provides a crisp, higher-pitched feedback. This unique blend results in a performance that is both sophisticated and precise, appealing to typists who value subtlety and richness in sound. Ultimately, both switches offer their own merits—whether you favor the thocky, deeper tones of the Sky V4 or the refined clarity of the Xinhai (Heavy). 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky V4 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both utilize high-quality materials for their switch housings, though they adopt different approaches in their construction. The Sky V4 features a POK top housing, renowned for its durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material's resistance to wear, being 14 times stronger than POM, along with exceptional shock resistance, allows for a clacky typing experience and contributes positively to the switch's longevity. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, which, while slightly less durable, is revered for the sound profile it produces. Nylon's softer nature allows for sound absorption, leading to a deeper, fuller sound when typing, though it may not provide the same level of durability as POK.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a consistency in how they respond to typing. This characteristic is crucial as the bottom housing influences the tactile feedback and sound profile when a key is bottomed out. The Xinhai (Heavy) fully embraces nylon's properties in both housing components, ensuring that the typing experience maintains a duller, rounder sound. The Sky V4, meanwhile, pairs its POK top with a nylon bottom, allowing it to benefit from the key qualities of both materials. The luxurious smoothness from POK and the sound-dampening qualities of nylon coalesce, suggesting that the Sky V4 can achieve a tactile experience that combines the strengths of both materials.
By utilizing different materials for the top housings, the two switches are able to provide different audible and tactile sensations when typing. While the POK top in the Sky V4 offers a snappier and cleaner sound during actuation, the nylon top of the Xinhai enhances the overall auditory warmth. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similarly satisfying feel when the key is pressed down, thanks to nylon’s inherent properties. Thus, both the Dareu Sky V4 and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) deliver unique yet comparable switch experiences through their thoughtful selection of materials, appealing to users who value either sound profile or durability.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Sky V4 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that the Sky V4 is the lighter option, which may be preferable for those looking to type for extended periods without fatigue, such as during long work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a more substantial feel due to its heavier forces, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between these two switches mainly hinges on whether one values a lighter typing experience or a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Sky V4 boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai (Heavy) the more responsive option, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Sky V4, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper feedback when pressing keys. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Sky V4 providing a more traditional experience and the Xinhai (Heavy) offering a touch more agility.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 produces a notably deep and rich auditory experience. This switch is characterized by its thocky sound profile, which delivers a satisfying, bass-heavy tone when the keys are pressed and released. Its low-pitched resonance ensures that the typing experience feels immersive, with a deeper "thud" that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch does not provide a detailed sound profile, so its acoustics remain unknown. However, it’s important to note that a switch's sound can also hinge on the specific keyboard build and keycaps used, an important consideration for both switches.
In terms of feel, the Sky V4 is designed to offer a bouncy sensation, allowing typists to experience a lively, elastic feedback with each keystroke. This spring-like characteristic can enhance the overall typing experience, making it feel responsive and engaging. As for the Xinhai (Heavy), its tactile qualities are unspecified, so we can't compare it directly to the Sky V4's bounciness. This uncertainty leaves a gap in the understanding of how the Xinhai (Heavy) may feel during use.
Taking all this information into account, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch provides a robust auditory and tactile profile characterized by its deep sound, bounciness, and satisfying feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers an intriguing yet undefined experience, particularly regarding sound and feel. Overall, those selecting between the two will find that while the Sky V4 excels in delivering a certain auditory and tactile pleasure, further exploration or specific experiences with the Xinhai (Heavy) would be necessary to fully gauge its qualities. For those who prioritize a rich sound and a lively feel, the Sky V4 stands out as the more defined option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter touch while typing or gaming, the Sky V4 is an excellent choice, offering a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, which makes it easier to actuate keys. Its POK material construction not only delivers a unique thocky sound signature that enhances your typing experience but also provides a bouncy feel that many typists appreciate for its playful responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key feel and don't mind a bit of extra force in your presses, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch would be ideal. With a 62.5-gram bottom-out force, this switch adds weight that gives you more control, while its PA12 top housing and distinctive POM stem work together to create a sharper, more precise sound profile. This combination makes it suitable for environments where subtle acoustics and performance are prioritized. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you seek a light, lively typing experience or a heavier, more controlled feel, allowing you to select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and needs.
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