Dareu Sky V4 vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V4 and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Dareu Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in its top housing, which contributes to a deeper sound profile and a smooth, satisfying linear action. Characterized as "thocky," "neutral," "low-pitched," and "bouncy," the Sky V4 caters to those who enjoy a rich auditory feedback along with their tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a different experience altogether, with a uniquely light actuation force that allows for effortless key presses. Their deep, rounded sound profile makes them ideal for typists who favor a softer touch and a more subdued auditory feedback. While both switches deliver excellent performance for linear enthusiasts, each caters to distinct preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky V4 and the TTC Yunhai, there is a pronounced difference in the materials used for the top housings, while both switches share nylon for their bottom housings. The Sky V4 features a POK material for its top housing, known for its low friction coefficient of 0.04. This results in a particularly smooth keystroke experience and contributes to a sound profile characterized as clacky and vibrant. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for nylon for its top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound but may not feel as smooth during use due to its slightly higher friction coefficient relative to the POK material.
Delving further into the bottom housings, both the Sky V4 and Yunhai employ nylon, demonstrating a consistency in how the two switches manage sound production. This shared material delivers a deep and rounded audio profile, enriching the typing experience through sound absorption. The similarity in the bottom housing means that users can expect comparable auditory feedback when bottoming out on both switches, giving each switch a distinct but aligned sound signature created by their common aluminum base.
While the top housings distinctly alter the feel and sound upon key release, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the resultant sound experience maintains a level of harmony across both models. Users mindful of sound and feel dynamics will notice that the Sky V4's POK top housing adds smoothness and character to the typing experience, whereas the Yunhai's nylon top housing provides a softer, rounder feel instead. Thus, while there are differences in the top material utilized, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches will still produce a rich bottom-out sound, appealing to those who value depth in their typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sky V4 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light in terms of switch resistance. In comparison, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more accommodating option for those who prefer a gentler touch. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate toward the Yunhai due to its lower actuation force, while those who desire a more substantial push feel with a stronger resistance might find the Sky V4 more satisfying. Overall, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is the lighter choice, whereas the Dareu Sky V4 appears to offer a heavier experience for users seeking added resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch is identical, measuring 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance, leading to a consistent typing feel between the two options. The matching travel distances suggest that both switches can deliver similar performance and tactile feedback in a keyboard setup. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a specific travel distance, either the Sky V4 or the Yunhai would suffice, providing you with an equivalent experience.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switch stands out with its distinctive thocky profile, producing a deep, rich sound that evokes a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" upon actuation. This low-pitched quality adds a level of auditory pleasure during typing, making it an appealing option for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai switches are not specifically characterized in the provided information regarding their sound profile; however, given that they are noted for their light actuation force, one might anticipate a sound that is less pronounced and potentially more subdued. Ultimately, users looking for a more dynamic acoustic experience would likely prefer the Sky V4, while the Yunhai may lean towards a quieter typing experience.
In the realm of feel, the Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation. This quality can enhance the typing experience by delivering a responsive rebound when a key is pressed, contributing to a more engaging and dynamic input feel. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Yunhai switch are not detailed in the information we have, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this regard. However, the mention of its light actuation force suggests it may provide a more effortless and gentle feel, appealing to typists who prefer a less forceful engagement without sacrificing smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound paired with a bouncy feel, the TTC Yunhai switch remains more ambiguous in its sound and feel characteristics. If you seek an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Sky V4 is the clear choice, offering a distinctive quality that enhances typing enthusiasm. Alternatively, the Yunhai may provide a more subtle, lightweight experience, best suited for those who appreciate a gentler input without the additional richness of sound. Ultimately, both switches will cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that regardless of the choice, typists can find satisfaction in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Sky V4 and TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a slightly firmer feel and prefer a deeper, more engaging sound profile, the Sky V4 is a great choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams offers a balance between responsiveness and control, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The thocky sound and bouncy feel can enhance your overall typing experience, especially if you appreciate a tactile feedback and intend to use your keyboard in a quieter environment, such as an office setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that is incredibly light and effortless, the TTC Yunhai is your go-to option. With a mere 50 grams of bottom-out force, it allows for quick and seamless keystrokes, which can be particularly advantageous for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. Its unique deep sound profile, while not as explicitly defined as the Sky V4's, still delivers a pleasant auditory experience without being overly disruptive. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more robust typing feel and sound or a lighter, more effortless keypress experience.