Keygeek Briny vs. Dareu Sky POM

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Sky POM offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Keygeek Briny, featuring a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a refined auditory feedback without being overbearing. Its construction suggests durability and a user-friendly feel, ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, crafted entirely from POM material, emphasizes premium quality at a more accessible price, known for its clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, paired with a gentle actuation force. This switch leans into a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky typing experience, catering to those who prefer a tactile, yet linear feedback. Each switch has its strengths depending on user preferences—whether it’s the Briny's balanced sound and durability or the Sky POM's smoothness and affordability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Dareu Sky POM, we find both similarities and distinctions that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Keygeek Briny utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is celebrated for its softer texture. This characteristic allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. Users can expect a consistent sound when typing on the Briny, as both the top and bottom housings are made from the same material, which harmonizes their acoustic properties during operation.

In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM features a combination of a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing. POM, known for its unique acoustic profile, contributes to a distinctly pleasing sound that also leans towards the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum, albeit in a potentially different way than nylon. While the nylon bottom still provides that classic, rich sound associated with its use, the switch's top housing material introduces a variety of tonal qualities that may subtly alter the overall sound experience. This prompts an interesting differentiation: the Briny's consistent nylon presence may yield a more uniform sound while the Sky POM's dual housing materials could engender a more complex auditory signature.

Despite these differences in material, the combination of nylon in both switches ultimately leads to similar acoustic outcomes in terms of depth and muting effects. Both housing types, while varied in their tactile feedback and sound nuances, retain that hallmark nylon feature of absorbing sound, which allows for a softer striking experience. This means that even though the Sky POM uses POM for its top housing, the synthesized sound profile remains comparable to the Briny's output, particularly when considering how users will experience the bottoming out of keys, which is still largely influenced by the bottom housing’s nylon structure. Thus, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying auditory result, albeit through slightly varied acoustic pathways.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Briny requires a 50-gram actuation force, while the Sky POM is lighter at 40 grams, making it better suited for users who prefer longer typing sessions without noticeable fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Briny also has a clear measurement of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial feel upon reaching the key's endpoint. However, the Sky POM lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving uncertainty about its end resistance. While both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the Briny offers a heavier overall feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger tactile response. The Sky POM, with its lighter actuation force, may be favored by users who prioritize ease of keystrokes over a more pronounced bottoming experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find that the Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM is slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Briny would be the better option, owing to its shorter travel distance that facilitates quicker actuation, a feature appealing to gamers. Conversely, the Sky POM's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, which some users prefer for a balanced typing experience. Therefore, for those who appreciate a deeper key actuation, the Sky POM would be the preferable choice. Overall, the main contrast lies in their lengths: the Briny's 3.6 mm offers a faster response, while the Sky POM's 3.8 mm caters to those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny switch offers a balanced sound profile, which suggests a more neutral and unobtrusive auditory experience likely suitable for a variety of environments. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a keyboard that doesn't draw too much attention during use. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its clacky sound, which typically indicates a more pronounced acoustic feedback and a lively presence. The Sky POM’s low-pitched profile contributes to a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it more expressive in sound but potentially less suited for quiet environments.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Briny is celebrated for its smooth operation, although specifics about its tactile qualities are less clearly defined. In contrast, the Sky POM switch excels in delivering a typing experience described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This suggests that the Sky POM provides a seamless and pleasurable keystroke experience, characterized by minimal resistance, smooth transitions, and an overall luxurious sensation while typing. For those who prioritize a very smooth and enjoyable feel, the Sky POM would be the clear standout.

Considering both sound and feel, while the Keygeek Briny switch offers a commendable balanced sound and smooth operation, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a more engaging audio experience paired with a remarkably smooth and pleasurable typing sensation. If you are seeking an expressive sound combined with an exceptionally fluid feel, the Sky POM is the more compelling choice. However, if you value a more understated profile with an emphasis on balanced performance, the Briny could be a better match for your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical switch. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and prioritize a balanced sound profile, the Briny may be the ideal choice for you. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate a traditional typing feel with a subdued acoustic character. On the other hand, if you are in search of a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with a low-pitched clacky sound and a sensation that can be described as buttery, creamy, or silky, then the Sky POM switch is likely to meet your needs. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a lighter actuation and a more vibrant typing sound while still enjoying a fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, your selection should align with your personal typing style, whether you prefer a more deliberate and tactile feel with the Briny or the effortless smoothness that the Sky POM provides.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more