Huano Elf vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Huano Elf and the Dareu Sky POM. The Elf switch is celebrated for its unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound profile, complemented by a medium-light feel that promotes a satisfying typing experience. It offers users an appealing balance between tactile feedback and smoothness, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound during use. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, establishing a new benchmark for premium quality at an affordable price. It is characterized by its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a quieter yet highly responsive keyboard experience. While both switches boast their unique attributes, selecting between the Huano Elf and the Dareu Sky POM 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
42g
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
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials used in the Huano Elf and the Dareu Sky POM switches, it becomes apparent that the top housing materials are distinctly different. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which offers a low coefficient of friction at 0.04, enhancing the smoothness of the switches. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that, while also facilitating smooth operation, likely provides a different tactile experience due to its differing material properties. POK is noted for its exceptional durability, boasting wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, making the Elf’s switches potentially more resilient to prolonged use. Thus, while both materials offer a smooth experience, the Huano Elf's POK material may cater better to users seeking long-term durability alongside smoothness.
On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and the Dareu Sky POM employ nylon for their bottom housing, showcasing a similarity that influences the overall auditory experience of each switch. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material due to its softer plasticity, which absorbs sound effectively to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristics result in both switches producing a duller, rounder sound upon bottoming out, thereby creating a rich auditory experience regardless of the switches' top configurations. The consistent use of nylon as a bottom housing material underpins the switches' sound profiles, likely yielding similar acoustic feedback during typing.
Ultimately, the combination of diverse top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom in both switches results in a unique interplay of feel and sound across the two models. The differences in their top housing materials—POK for the Huano Elf and POM for the Dareu Sky POM—underscore the design intentions behind each switch. The POK's strength and slightly higher friction may enhance the overall tactile feedback, while the POM’s properties contribute to a different sound experience. Nevertheless, the compatibility of the nylon bottom housing in both designs ensures they maintain a deeper, more appealing sound signature, demonstrating how disparate upper housing materials can complement a shared foundational material to create a nuanced user experience.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch present a subtle difference in actuation force, with the Elf requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Sky POM's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This slight difference suggests that typists or gamers favoring a lighter touch may prefer the Sky POM for its responsiveness, especially during prolonged use. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare that aspect; without this information, we can't evaluate how they perform under full key presses. Ultimately, if a heavier typing experience is preferred, the Huano Elf may be the better choice, whereas the Dareu Sky POM is suitable for those looking for a more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Elf provides a more responsive feel with its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker key presses for improved performance. On the other hand, the Sky POM’s longer travel distance can offer a more substantial key engagement, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience with depth in their typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus key feel, with the Huano Elf being the shorter option and the Dareu Sky POM being the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics for a richer auditory experience. This results in a more resonant output that can feel satisfying during both typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by its clacky sound, which provides a low-pitched tone that can be described as bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched counterparts. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Elf leans towards a deeper, more refined sound, whereas the Sky POM offers a more lively and pronounced acoustic profile.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Huano Elf delivers a medium-light tactile feedback, allowing for a pleasurable typing experience that's responsive without being overly rigid. This balance makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer something that is easy to actuate without sacrificing control. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM is celebrated for its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations, creating an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke. The experience on the Sky POM is often described as gliding your fingers across the keys, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes, which can be particularly satisfying for those who type frequently or engage in gaming.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches possess unique qualities that cater to different preferences, the Elf excels in producing a deep sound, and a responsive medium-light feel, while the Sky POM stands out for its clacky, low-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth, buttery typing experience. Choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize acoustic depth with a balanced feel or a lively sound accompanied by an ultra-smooth keystroke experience. Regardless of which switch you select, understanding these subjective qualities will help you tailor your mechanical keyboard to best suit your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a satisfying and deep sound signature while also providing a medium-light feel, the Huano Elf will likely be your best bet. This switch is designed for those who appreciate enhanced acoustics and a typing experience that feels just right—perfect for longer typing sessions or if you enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be the ideal choice. Its buttery, creamy, and silky qualities make it attractive for users who want a seamless typing experience where each keystroke feels effortless and fluid. Additionally, the Sky POM's low-pitched sound profile can offer a pleasant auditory experience without the harshness that some switches may produce. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, understanding the strengths of each switch will guide you to the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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