Kailh Box White V2 vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options. The Kailh Box White V2 stand out as a clicky switch that offers satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a pronounced typing experience and want to feel each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch presents a different approach as a linear switch. Crafted entirely from POM material, it boasts exceptional smoothness, a gentle actuation force, and a clacky sound, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. While the Box White V2 is ideal for typists who crave auditory and tactile confirmation with every keystroke, the Sky POM is perfect for gamers and typists looking for a seamless and responsive feel without the distraction of clicking noises. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky POM switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, resulting in notably different sound profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and superior translucency. This rigidity helps produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile while enhancing the visual appeal when RGB lighting is used, making it an excellent choice for gamers or users who appreciate aesthetic lighting effects. On the contrary, the Sky POM employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound. The softer characteristics of POM lead to a sound experience that is less piercing compared to the Box White V2, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When looking at the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes apparent that they share a commonality: both feature nylon, a renowned material for its acoustic properties. The nylon bottom housing of the Box White V2 produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, similar to that of the Sky POM. This shared material means that users will experience a consistent depth and fullness when typing on either switch, even if the overall sound signature differs due to the contrasting top housing materials. Thus, while the Box White V2 may offer a crisper sound from the top, the nylon bottom contributes to a more rounded sound, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience across both switches.
The interaction between both housings plays a crucial role in defining the overall feel and sound of each switch. For the Kailh Box White V2, the stiffer polycarbonate top contributes more to the sound feedback when releasing a key, while the soft nylon bottom emphasizes the sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM, with its muted top by virtue of its POM housing, will offer a more subdued release sound while maintaining the deeper feel from the nylon base. While users may prefer one sound profile over the other, the shared nylon bottom allows for a rich typing experience across the board. In essence, those seeking specific acoustic qualities will notice the differences, yet the comfortable typing experience achieved by the nylon's sound-absorbing properties remains consistent in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sky POM is lighter at 40 grams. This makes the Sky POM preferable for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended use, as it requires less effort to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel when the switch is fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Sky POM remains unavailable, leaving a gap in comparison. Overall, those who enjoy a lighter switch with a potential softer key feel may prefer the Sky POM, while users seeking more tactile feedback and a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Box White V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Sky POM's longer distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 switch produces a distinct and crisp audible click with each keystroke, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback with their activations. This clicky sound is sharp and sharpens the keystroke's engagement, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch has a low-pitched clacky sound that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This more subdued auditory output provides a different acoustic experience, which some users may prefer for a quieter environment, while still offering a satisfying auditory response that might appeal to users seeking a softer sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 offers a tactile experience that is both crisp and engaging, allowing typists to feel the point of actuation clearly. This tactile feedback can enhance typing confidence and engagement, particularly suited for those who enjoy the physical sensation of each keypress. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch is celebrated for its buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics, providing a remarkably smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The lack of tactile feedback might appeal to users who prefer a streamlined and effortless typing sensation, facilitating faster typing speeds without the resistance one might encounter in more tactile switches.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Sky POM switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Box White V2 work well for enthusiasts who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback and tactile engagement, while the Sky POM provides a more subdued sound coupled with a wonderfully smooth typing experience. Both switches excel in their unique ways, appealing to different needs in the keyboard community, allowing users to choose based on their personal typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Sky POM switch largely depends on your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a satisfying click sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially for typists who appreciate clear auditory feedback while typing. This switch is also favorable for those who prefer lighter resistance, as its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for quick and effortless typing, making it ideal for fast-paced environments or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter operation, the Dareu Sky POM switch may be the better option for you. Known for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, it delivers an exceptionally smooth and uniform typing experience that is perfect for long hours of work or gaming without the distraction of click sounds. The low-pitched clacky sound adds a nice touch of character, particularly for those who still want some auditory feedback without the sharpness of a click. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the tactile and audible stimulation of the Box White V2 or the smooth and subtle qualities of the Sky POM.
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