Outemu Crystal vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and Dareu Sky POM both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crystal, a linear switch, provides a satisfying typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, along with a neutral sound profile. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM, also a linear switch, stands out for its premium quality made from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Crystal may appeal to those seeking a unique linear typing experience, the Sky POM's quality and sound profile make it a great choice for those looking for a smooth and clacky 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Dareu Sky POM, one noticeable difference lies in the top housing composition. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing that produces a more pleasing and unique sound with deeper tones. The POM material offers a more muted sound compared to the polycarbonate of the Crystal. Both materials are translucent, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Outemu Crystal also incorporates polycarbonate in this component, maintaining the sharp, high-pitched sound profile that polycarbonate is known for. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Dareu Sky POM housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. With differing qualities in the top and bottom housing materials, the typing experience will be split between the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing, and the sound when releasing a key from the top housing. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon or POM, both options offer distinct characteristics that will affect your typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch present interesting differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Crystal switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Sky POM, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch is 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 Crystal being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Sky POM for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, giving it a unique and slightly squeaky sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a low-pitched tone, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches can vary, creating a different auditory experience for each user.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is characterized as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience, with the Crystal focusing on a polished finish and the Sky POM emphasizing smoothness and fluidity in keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a unique, chirpy sound profile with a polished feel, while the Sky POM switch delivers a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the diversity in options available in the mechanical keyboard switch market. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the unique characteristics of each switch to determine which one best fits your preferences. If you enjoy a medium-light typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch crafted from premium POM material, offering a clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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