Kailh Box Navy vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy 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 Kailh Box Navy and Dareu Sky POM offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Navy is ideal for those who crave a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Sky POM provides a smooth and quiet typing experience with a gentle actuation force, thanks to its unique POM material construction. While the Box Navy is celebrated for its sharp and invigorating feel, the Sky POM is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a crunchy and stiff typing experience, the Box Navy is for you, whereas the Sky POM offers a silky and low-pitched typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Sky POM switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Box Navy utilizing polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to typing. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, with the choice between sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, more rounded sound from POM.
In terms of aesthetics, the Kailh Box Navy's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing for users who prioritize customizable lighting effects. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky POM switch's POM top housing may not offer the same level of transparency but provides a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side, appealing to users who prefer a more muted typing experience. Both switches showcase the versatility of different housing materials in creating varying sound profiles and aesthetic preferences for mechanical keyboards.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Sky POM offer slightly different typing experiences due to their respective top housing materials. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings impacts not only the sound when pressing down on a key but also when releasing it, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams while it is unknown for the Sky POM. The Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, but the Box Navy will provide a more robust typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Box Navy offers a slightly shorter distance, which may be preferred for those seeking quick and responsive key presses. On the other hand, the Sky POM provides a slightly longer travel distance, which could be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched clacky sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Box Navy delivering a more immersive auditory experience while the Sky POM provides a smoother and quieter typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience with a strong tactile bump that is distinct with each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation that is smooth, effortless, and uniform in feedback. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences, with the Box Navy delivering a more intense and reactive feedback while the Sky POM provides a soft and luxurious typing experience.
Overall, choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch depends on your preferences for typing sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a sharp tactile bump and a resonant sound, the Box Navy is a perfect fit. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a smoother feel and a low-pitched clacky sound, the Sky POM may be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and sharp tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches are a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery keystroke with a more mellow sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM switches offer a premium typing experience at an accessible price point. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prefer a heavier or lighter actuation force, and the type of sound profile that suits your taste when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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