HMX Game1989 vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Sky POM stand out as two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking linear performance. The HMX 1989, heralded for its deep and thocky feel, is part of the HMX Film switch series and offers a satisfyingly plush typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a more muted auditory feedback while maintaining a robust tactile response. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch sets itself apart with its unique construction from POM material, producing a buttery, clacky sound profile that is both smooth and silky, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during their keystrokes. While the HMX 1989 leans towards a deeper, thocky typing experience, the Sky POM emphasizes a lighter, more airy sensation without compromising on quality. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive advantages tailored to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine which switch is best for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials between the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Sky POM brings to light interesting contrasts in their sound profiles while also showcasing similarities in their bottom housing composition. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The use of clear polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who want to utilize RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows light to shine through vividly. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that generates a deeper, more muted sound profile, creating an experience that contrasts with the sharper tones of polycarbonate. These differences in top housing materials provide varied auditory feedback, appealing to different user preferences.
Both the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Sky POM utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound experience by providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer plastics. This shared material in the bottom housing means that regardless of the distinct top housing qualities, both switches will deliver a fuller, rounder sound upon bottoming out. When pressed, users will notice the substantial impact of the nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke, driving home the continuity of sound in both switches.
In terms of overall sound characteristics, the combination of materials in each switch results in a nuanced experience for typists. Although the HMX 1989’s polycarbonate top delivers a crisp and clear sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom ensures a deep and resonant bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Sky POM, while offering a muted sound profile with its POM top, still retains that depth due to the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, users can expect a distinctive typing experience with each switch; one offering higher clarity and brightness and the other providing a deeper, more subdued sound, yet both benefiting from their nylon bases, allowing for similar resonance qualities upon bottoming out.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, with the 1989 requiring 45 grams to actuate compared to the lighter 40 grams needed for the Sky POM. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Sky POM may provide a more effortless typing experience, potentially making it more suitable for prolonged use during both work and gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown, whereas the HMX 1989 has a clearly defined bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches offer a medium-light actuation feel, the HMX 1989 provides a more substantial bottoming out experience, which some users may find preferable for tactile feedback. In summary, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Sky POM is the lighter choice, which could create a softer typing experience but leaves some uncertainty with its bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the HMX 1989 provides a more pronounced depth with its 4 mm travel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Sky POM's shorter 3.8 mm travel distance could offer a swifter response, making it appealing for gamers who prioritize speed and quick key presses. Overall, those seeking a deeper and more tactile experience should opt for the HMX 1989, whereas those favoring a quicker and more responsive feel might lean toward the Sky POM.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Dareu Sky POM 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 POM for $4.98.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky auditory profile, which provides a satisfying acoustical feedback that many users appreciate for its rich tones. This depth offers users a certain gravitas during typing, creating a sensation that is both engaging and pleasant. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch produces a distinctly low-pitched, clacky sound, characterized by its more bass-heavy tone. While it may not resonate with the same level of depth as the 1989, the Sky POM's sound signature offers a different kind of auditory enjoyment, making it feel lively and responsive. Ultimately, each switch provides a unique auditory experience that contributes to the overall sensation of using them, and the sound can also vary depending on the keyboard setup and keycap options.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its robust, thocky typing experience, emphasizing stability and pressure throughout each keystroke. Users often commend it for delivering a certain reliability and resistance that helps in achieving a confident typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally smooth, buttery feel, and offers creamy and silky attributes in its keystrokes. This means that typing on the Sky POM can feel almost effortless, as the switch glides seamlessly under your fingers without any noticeable friction. The combination of these tactile experiences allows users to express their preference based on what kind of feedback and comfort they seek during typing, whether it be the secure feeling of depth from the 1989 or the fluidity from the Sky POM.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Dareu Sky POM linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the 1989 offers a deeper, thocky auditory experience paired with a more resistant tactile feedback, the Sky POM provides a lively, low-pitched clack along with an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing sensation. Depending on your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you desire, either switch can satisfy, and ultimately, both switches can contribute to a rewarding typing experience, albeit through different tactile and auditory means.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you’re primarily gaming, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and reputation as one of the thockiest switches in its category, could provide a satisfying, thumpy feel while enhancing your gaming experience. Its sound characteristics, while not detailed here, suggest a well-rounded typing experience, making it a reliable choice for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you’re in search of smoothness and a premium typing experience without breaking the bank, the Dareu Sky POM is well-suited for you. With its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, alongside a clacky low-pitched sound, it delivers an exceptional typing experience that can enhance productivity and enjoyment, particularly for long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value most in a switch: whether it's the tactile feedback and depth of the HMX 1989 or the silky smoothness and acoustic charm of the Sky POM.
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