Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer switch evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its mesmerizing translucent green design and refreshingly lightweight feel. With stepped tactility and a characteristic clacky sound signature, this switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. Known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, this switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky POM feature unique housing materials that have a direct impact on the sound profile of the switches. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can result in a different typing experience for users, with the Beer offering a sharper sound and the Sky POM providing a more subdued sound. However, both switches are likely to have a clear housing due to the materials used, making them ideal for those who want to utilize RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate material again contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Dareu Sky POM's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in sound quality between the two switches can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softness of nylon. This results in a crisper sound for the Beer and a rounder sound for the Sky POM. When typing on these switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile experience that complements the sound profile generated by the top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Dareu Sky POM will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Beer offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing materials, the Sky POM provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM and nylon housing. However, both switches share the characteristic of having clear housings, making them visually appealing options for those interested in RGB lighting. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by offering unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in terms of actuation force at 38 grams compared to the Sky POM at 40 grams. However, the Beer has a heavier bottom out force at 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Beer switch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Beer switch may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to the preferences of individuals looking for a specific typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sky POM switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. A difference of 0.4 mm may not seem like much, but it can still impact the overall typing or gaming experience. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Beer switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more deliberate keypress with a bit more depth, the Sky POM switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the Beer providing a crisp and bright sound, while the Sky POM offers a more mellow tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force of the Beer switch enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Beer switch also features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a distinct clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, while the Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers entering the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light actuation force and a subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound, the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sky POM switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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