Dareu Aqua vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua is a linear switch with a super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press and feathery in nature. On the other hand, the Sky POM is also a linear switch but is crafted entirely from POM material, offering a premium quality feel at an accessible price point. It is known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Aqua is best suited for those who prefer a lighter touch and distinctive sound, the Sky POM appeals to users looking for a smoother and more premium 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua's housing materials of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom provide a combination of sharp, higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top and a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom. This dual housing setup creates a unique typing experience that appeals to different preferences, with the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent and pleasing deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to the Aqua. While the Aqua offers a mix of characteristics from its different housing materials, the Sky POM focuses on providing a uniform sound experience throughout.
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Sky POM prioritize sound profiles in their housing materials, with each offering a unique typing experience based on their respective plastics. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM housing material provides an incredibly pleasing and unique deep sound that is more muted in comparison. Despite the differences in sound characteristics, both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience tailored to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Aqua's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent look that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, adding a visual appeal to the switch. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM's POM top housing may not offer the same level of translucency for RGB lighting, but it provides a sleek and uniform appearance that complements the switch's overall design. While the housing materials of the Aqua and Sky POM differ in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics, they both strive to enhance the typing experience through their unique characteristics.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but based on the actuation force alone, the Aqua switch would likely provide a lighter typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Aqua switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Sky POM switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The Aqua's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Sky POM's 3.8mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance – whether you prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Aqua or the slightly shorter travel distance of the Sky POM.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky tones, giving it a distinct sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. This light and chirpy sound can add a playful element to typing, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more lively auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch produces a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This can provide a more soothing and relaxed typing experience for those who prefer a quieter sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue and make typing effortless and comfortable, particularly during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering smooth and fluid keystrokes that enhance the overall typing feel. This seamless and effortless sensation can elevate the typing experience and make it a pleasure to use the switch.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, the Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing styles and personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch crafted from premium POM material, offering a gentle actuation force and a clacky sound with exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your own typing preferences and what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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