Dareu Dream vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often look for a balance between quality and affordability. The Dareu Dream linear switch is a popular choice for those seeking a light and easy-to-press option with a clacky feel, all at an attractive price point. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a premium experience with its crafted entirely from POM material, boasting a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Dream switch may be more budget-friendly and the Sky POM switch offers a higher-end feel, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and Dareu Sky POM both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material's stiffness results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sky POM's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience. While the materials differ in sound characteristics, they both excel in enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Dream and Sky POM utilize nylon for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This classic switch housing material contributes to a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. While the materials are the same for the bottom housing, the Dream and Sky POM offer slightly different sound profiles due to their unique top housing materials.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Dream and Dareu Sky POM switches creates a dynamic typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a variety of sounds and feels when typing on these switches. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing adds sharpness and clarity when releasing a key, while the POM top housing in the Sky POM offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller and more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch and Dareu Sky POM linear switch both have an actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial pressure needed to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have an unknown weight, which means the amount of force required to press the key all the way down is uncertain for both. In terms of weight preference, lighter switches like the Dream and Sky POM are ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, opting for switches with heavier bottom out forces would be more suitable. In this case, since the specific bottom out force for both switches is unknown, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Dream is slightly longer than the Sky POM, providing a slightly deeper press when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Dream offering a more standard feel compared to the slightly shallower Sky POM. Gamers looking for a faster response time may lean towards the Sky POM due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the Dream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream linear switch produces a clacky sound, known for its crisp and percussive tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow quality. Depending on personal preference, users may be drawn to the sharpness of the Dream or the deeper tone of the Sky POM, ultimately enhancing the typing experience based on individual auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is highlighted by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force allows for effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Dream provide a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, characterized by its smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The uniform typing feel of the Sky POM enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Considering the sound and feel of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Dream excels in providing a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a clacky sound, the Sky POM stands out for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, users can expect a quality typing experience from both switches, with the choice between the Dream and Sky POM depending on individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a light linear option with a gentle actuation force, easy-to-press feel, and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch made entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, buttery and creamy feel, and premium quality at a budget-friendly price, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so make your decision based on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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