Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is praised for its smooth keystrokes thanks to its innovative CAP structure, aerodynamic stem design, and stability-enhancing stem post. It is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', making it a great choice for those who prioritize smooth and stable typing experiences. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its affordable premium quality, clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', this switch appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Polycarbonate
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 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and Dareu Sky POM both feature unique housing materials in their construction. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that resonates sound clearly. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, creating a different auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches use top housings that enhance sound quality and are suitable for use with RGB lighting due to their translucent properties.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in the CAP Anniversary and Sky POM absorbs sound effectively due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This classic switch housing material contributes to the overall sound experience of the switches, complementing the characteristics of their respective top housings. While the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Dareu Sky POM showcase the significance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of mechanical switches. While the CAP Anniversary uses polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Sky POM features POM for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a unique typing experience through a combination of distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. Whether opting for the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deep and muted sound of POM, enthusiasts can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Dareu Sky POM switch is lighter to press down initially. However, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dareu Sky POM switch is unknown. This makes the Gateron switch heavier to press all the way down. If the bottom out force of the Dareu Sky POM switch is similar to its actuation force, then users can expect a lighter overall typing experience compared to the Gateron switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter initial press or a heavier bottom out feel for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary 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 CAP Anniversary being slightly longer than the Sky POM. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Dareu Sky POM switches offer different auditory experiences. The CAP Anniversary switch is known for its subtle, low-pitched sound, which can create a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by a clacky sound, providing a more distinct and sharp auditory feedback. The choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, with the CAP Anniversary offering a quieter typing experience compared to the Sky POM.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Dareu Sky POM switches provide smooth and buttery typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the CAP Anniversary switch is known for its creamy and polished feel, providing a silky sensation when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Dareu Sky POM switches both excel in providing smooth and premium typing experiences. The CAP Anniversary switch is best suited for users who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience, with a focus on stability and minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a clacky sound and a buttery feel, catering to users looking for a more distinct and responsive typing experience at an accessible price point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer exceptional quality in their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke experience with reduced resistance, the CAP Anniversary may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch made entirely from POM material for a clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, with a gentle actuation force, then the Sky POM switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and desired features in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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