Kailh Berry vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and Dareu Sky POM switches stand out as popular linear options. The Berry switch is praised for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture, producing a deep sound profile categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch crafted entirely from POM material offers a premium quality feel at an accessible price point, known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, categorized as buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that make it appealing to different users. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Sky POM, it's clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This means that both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Berry uses nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Sky POM also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, offering a similar deep and full sound quality.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the Kailh Berry and Dareu Sky POM switches exhibit variations in sound profiles due to their differing bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. This difference in bottom housing composition will impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel being influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. However, the top housing material will play a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, providing a unique sound profile for each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Berry and the Dareu Sky POM ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer high-quality polycarbonate top housings that produce a clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting setups. The nylon bottom housing in each switch creates a deeper and fuller sound experience, with differences in sound profiles being most noticeable during typing and key release moments. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with the Berry or a more muted, deeper sound with the Sky POM, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see that there are some significant differences. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a lighter touch compared to the Berry, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Berry switch seems to offer a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Sky POM switch may be preferred by those looking for a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Berry switch being the shorter of the two may provide a slightly quicker actuation, while the Sky POM switch with the longer travel distance may feel more substantial to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch also has a low-pitched sound, which typically results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are likely to deliver a pleasant auditory experience, although the Berry switch might have a slightly deeper sound due to its bassier characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, with a chalk-like texture that adds a unique feel to each key press. On the contrary, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. While the Berry switch provides a more tactile and textured feel, the Sky POM switch prioritizes smoothness and fluidity in its typing feel.
Overall, when comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that they offer different subjective qualities. The Berry switch presents a springy and textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, while the Sky POM switch offers a smooth and buttery feel with a clacky sound. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Berry switch providing a more tactile and textured experience, and the Sky POM switch offering a smoother and more fluid typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience, and choosing between them will come down to individual preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, along with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, clacky typing experience with a gentle actuation force and a premium quality build at an accessible price point, the Sky POM switch could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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