KTT Ash Gray vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear switches. The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is celebrated for its well-balanced tactile response, providing a satisfying yet unobtrusive feedback that allows typists to enjoy a light touch while still feeling a pronounced actuation, perfect for those who appreciate the tactile sensation without it being overwhelming. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering a smooth and creamy typing experience characterized by its soft actuation force and a satisfying clacky sound that resonates with users who favor fluid keystrokes over tactile bumps. While the Ash Gray is ideal for those who like a bit of texture and feedback in their typing experience, the Sky POM provides an ultra-smooth feel that many gamers and typists desire. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Sky POM both utilize distinctive materials for their switch housings that impart unique auditory characteristics. In the case of the Ash Gray, the top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity of keystrokes. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting effects, allowing colors to shine through more vividly. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that leans toward the deeper and more muted spectrum. This stark contrast in material properties affects not only the overall tonal quality but also the aesthetic interaction with backlighting, where POM may not provide the same vibrant lighting effects as transparent polycarbonate.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, a choice that illustrates a common ground between the two models. Nylon's inherently softer composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more acoustic resonance compared to harder plastics. This shared material feature means that the bottom-out sound and feel—the sensation you perceive when a key is fully pressed down—will be notably rich and rounded in both the Ash Gray and Sky POM switches. Despite the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom provides a consistent auditory experience between them, making both options desirable for those who appreciate the deeper acoustic output commonly associated with nylon.
While differing specifically in their top housing materials, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Sky POM offer complementary auditory experiences due to their dual use of nylon in the bottom casing. The impact of the top housing material is primarily felt in the key release sound—the Ash Gray produces a crisp exit noise while the Sky POM offers a softer, more muted return. This interplay ensures that while users may enjoy various sound profiles based on their preference for deeper or crisper tones, both switches promise a satisfying bottoming-out experience. Consequently, consumers can select based on their desired acoustic signature, knowing that comfort and depth are consistent elements offered by the nylon material in both models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, distinct differences in actuation force can be observed. The Ash Gray features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams, making the former a better choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unavailable, which makes it challenging to fully assess its performance in that aspect. In contrast, the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a tactile feedback that many users might prefer. Those who enjoy a firmer push feel may find the bottom out force of the Ash Gray more satisfying. Overall, while the Ash Gray is lighter in terms of actuation force, the lack of data on the Sky POM's bottom out force prevents a complete comparison, leaving some ambiguity regarding its heaviness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Ash Gray measures 3.5 mm, while the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that if responsiveness is a key factor in your switch preference, the Ash Gray may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, for those who favor a more pronounced and hearty typing experience, the Sky POM, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, offers a deeper key press. Overall, the Ash Gray provides a quicker, more responsive feel, whereas the Sky POM caters to users who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch presents a neutral profile. This means it produces a moderate level of noise during operation, making it suitable for various environments whether home or office. The sound is designed to be unobtrusive, allowing users to type without drawing unnecessary attention. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The depth of the Sky POM's sound can make it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter ambiance while still enjoying the sensory feedback of a well-crafted switch.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch stands out with its easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force for activation and thereby reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable for users of all experience levels, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch excels in smoothness, described as buttery and creamy. This switch offers a seamless keystroke experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, thereby maximizing comfort and enjoyment during prolonged use. The combination of rich materials and design in the Sky POM might give a more luxurious typing sensation compared to the Ash Gray.
In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch with the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the differences primarily revolve around sound and feel. The Ash Gray provides a neutral auditory experience with easy actuation and mild tactile feedback, making it a versatile option for any typing scenario. Conversely, the Sky POM delivers a captivating low-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, appealing to those who prioritize a luxurious typing experience. Choice between the two will largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound profile and the desired tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and use case. If you love tactile feedback and appreciate a balanced response that’s neither too pronounced nor entirely absent, the KTT Ash Gray is your go-to option. It’s particularly ideal for people who engage in extended typing sessions since its easy-to-press design and mild characteristics significantly reduce finger fatigue while providing a pleasant tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more dynamic auditory experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be your best choice. With its buttery and creamy feel, it’s perfect for gamers and typists who prefer the seamless actuation that OAM material offers, alongside a low-pitched clacky sound which can be exhilarating during fast-paced use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your tactile preference—whether you thrive on tactile feedback or seek the smooth, unbroken flow of linear switches—so consider what feels best under your fingers.
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