HMX Cheese vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Dareu Sky POM are both excellent choices, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its premium quality crafted entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different typing styles and preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Sky POM switches both utilize nylon for their top housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound. However, the Cheese's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sky POM's POM top housing, which produces a more muted sound profile. This difference in sound could influence the overall typing experience for users who prefer either a duller, rounder sound or a more muted sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Cheese and the Sky POM switches use nylon. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound. Consequently, the bottom housings of both switches play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still vary slightly based on other factors such as the switch design or keycap material used in conjunction with the housing material.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Sky POM switches are similar in their use of nylon, the specific characteristics of the sound profiles they produce can differ. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sky POM's POM top housing, which offers a more muted sound experience. However, both switches share the benefits of nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. On the other hand, the Sky POM is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 40 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Cheese, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Sky POM. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight variation in actuation and bottom out forces can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on whether one values a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times, the Cheese may offer a slightly faster key press due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, the Sky POM with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes for those who prefer a more substantial feel. In general, both switches are suitable for users looking for a shorter travel distance, but the Cheese is the shorter option while the Sky POM is the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Cheese switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, creating an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches would depend on personal preference and other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering an ultra-light touch that is lighter than the majority of switches available. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with the choice between them coming down to individual preferences in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a satisfyingly clacky sound and an ultra-light typing experience, the Sky POM switch boasts premium quality at an accessible price point and a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a light, smooth keystroke with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery, creamy, silky typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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