KTT Darling vs. Dareu Sky POM

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and Dareu Sky POM offer distinct typing experiences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, boasts a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out provides a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that many users find engaging. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, thanks to its construction entirely from POM material. While the Darling is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant', the Sky POM is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Darling Linear

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the KTT Darling and the Dareu Sky POM feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials offer a clear housing option that is ideal for use with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling may be more visually appealing due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM provides a unique sound experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Darling and the Sky POM utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings on both keyboards will elicit a similar sound experience. This allows for consistency in sound profile throughout the typing experience, despite potential differences in the top housing material.

Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of a keyboard. While the Darling and Sky POM differ in their top housing materials, their use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM, both keyboards offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal sound and aesthetic preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see that the Darling is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of unknown. The Darling provides a medium-light typing experience compared to the Sky POM's unknown bottom out force. Some may prefer the Darling for its slightly heavier touch, which can offer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Sky POM for a smoother and lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Darling offering a slightly heavier option and the Sky POM potentially providing a lighter typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Darling has the shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The Darling's 3.5 mm distance may provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Sky POM's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience, with the Darling feeling quicker and the Sky POM feeling slightly more deliberate. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant nature, providing a sharp and crisp sound that can be quite engaging during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which might appeal to those who prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. Both switches have distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Darling offering a more tactile and auditory feedback compared to the smooth and clacky sound of the Sky POM.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a springy and responsive typing sensation that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for offering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, characterized by its smooth and seamless keystrokes. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing feel, with the Darling focusing on a more bouncy feedback while the Sky POM prioritizes smoothness and ease of typing.

Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality at an affordable price, featuring a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a switch that aligns with their individual preferences. Ultimately, whether choosing the Darling or the Sky POM, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the KTT Darling switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery, creamy, or silky feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be the ideal choice. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision, as these aspects will greatly impact your overall typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more