Gateron Aliaz vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch, stand out as popular choices with their unique characteristics. The Aliaz switch is favored for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office settings, while providing a medium-heavy weight that delivers a satisfying typing experience with a pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch stands out for its use of premium POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force at a budget-friendly price point. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Sky POM switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. The Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing is known for its ability to create a crisp sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing deeper sound. While both materials create sound profiles that are crisp and clear, the Aliaz leans towards a sharper sound, whereas the Sky POM leans towards a deeper and more muted tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the Gateron Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate material, which, like its top housing counterpart, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound that is duller and rounder compared to polycarbonate. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on the switches.
Overall, while both the Gateron Aliaz and Dareu Sky POM switches share similarities in their top housing materials contributing to clear and resonant sound profiles, the difference in bottom housing materials leads to distinct sound characteristics. The Aliaz with its polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper sound, while the Sky POM with its nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller tone. Whether you prefer a crisper or deeper sound profile, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see some significant differences. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sky POM's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Additionally, the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a lighter typing experience, which is great for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Overall, the Aliaz is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Sky POM is lighter in actuation force but lacking information on bottom out force. Both switches offer different advantages depending on personal preferences and intended usage.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch. The Aliaz offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Sky POM provides a slightly shorter one. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Aliaz. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Aliaz provides a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, which is ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a low-pitched sound that is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aliaz being quieter and the Sky POM having a more distinct sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Dareu Sky POM switch, on the other hand, is characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, with the Aliaz focusing on refined smoothness and the Sky POM offering a buttery feel.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing feedback with its muted sound and polished feel, making it suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality, clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, offering a different typing experience for those who prefer a buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and a medium-heavy weight for each keystroke, the Aliaz switch is a solid choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you are looking for a premium quality switch with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound and feel that best matches your typing style and environment.
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