Durock Blue Lotus vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a marked tactile feel while also providing vibrant RGB illumination for a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its premium quality at an accessible price point, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different types of 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM lies in the top housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Sky POM uses a POM top housing, known for creating a pleasing and deeper sound profile. While both housing materials offer a distinct sound experience, the Blue Lotus may provide a more luxurious typing feel, whereas the Sky POM leans towards a deeper and more muted sound.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for eliciting a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both the Durock Blue Lotus and Dareu Sky POM will likely offer a similar tactile experience and sound profile when pressed down. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to a more pleasant typing experience overall.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While pressing down on the switch will allow you to feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, releasing the key will highlight the influence of the top housing on the sound. This split in housing materials gives each switch its unique typing experience, with the Durock Blue Lotus emphasizing a premium feel and the Dareu Sky POM focusing on a pleasing and deep sound profile.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch. The Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to actuate a key and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sky POM only needs 40 grams to actuate a key, with the bottom out force being unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky POM for its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for typing comfort and feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the subtleties of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
The Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its bassy sound profile, providing a rich and deep tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Sound preference is subjective, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of sound you enjoy while typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a balance of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch is buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, but the Blue Lotus focuses more on tactile feedback, while the Sky POM emphasizes smoothness and fluidity.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a bassy sound profile and a balance of tactile feedback, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a marked tactile feel and snappiness in your typing experience, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Blue Lotus switches offer a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch might be more suitable for you. The Sky POM switches are known for their clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and accessible price point, providing a different typing sensation compared to the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel.
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