Durock Black Lotus vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and 55g actuation weight that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its POM material construction, clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, all at an accessible price point. While the Black Lotus is characterized by its 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished' attributes, the Sky POM is known for being '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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deep and full sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. However, they differ in their top housings, with the Black Lotus featuring a Modified PC & UPE Blend housing that provides a unique and premium feel while the Sky POM uses a POM top housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their combination of nylon bottom housings for sound depth and top housings for unique sound profiles.
Despite their different top housings, the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM both use nylon bottom housings to enhance the typing experience. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a consistent typing experience across both switches. However, the top housing materials may offer slight variations in sound profiles, with the Black Lotus providing a premium feel and the Sky POM offering a more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM, it's evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback. While they share the use of nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differentiation lies in their top housings. The Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sky POM creates a more muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper end. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying typing experience, with subtle variations in sound and feel that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the premium feel of the Black Lotus or the deeper sound profile of the Sky POM, both switches offer high-quality housing materials for an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Black Lotus will require more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky POM may be more suitable, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Black Lotus may be preferred by those who like a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Sky POM for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus is best described as having a unique light column that provides in-switch lighting, offering a varying sound profile depending on the other components in your setup. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which typically results in a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard case, keycaps, and typing technique.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Black Lotus is known for its silky and buttery typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. With reduced housing and stem wobble, these switches provide maximum typing pleasure. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch boasts a buttery and creamy feel, resulting in a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is enhanced by the premium POM material construction. Both switches offer a polished and refined typing experience, making them suitable for users looking for a smooth and comfortable typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM switches offer premium quality linear switches with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus excels in reducing wobble and providing a silky smooth feel with in-switch lighting, the Sky POM stands out for its accessible price point, clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, silky smooth feel, and in-switch lighting, then the Black Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch made entirely of POM material, a clacky sound, and a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be more suited to your typing preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired switch characteristics when making your decision between these two high-quality linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what features are most important to you.
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