TTC Flame Red vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Flame Red is best known for its dazzling light diffuser which makes it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, categorized as neutral, mild, polished. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at a more accessible price point. It is characterized by a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, categorized as buttery, low-pitched, creamy, silky. While these are general pointers for choosing between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique sound profiles due to their different properties. While the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a more muted and deeper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can affect the overall typing experience for users, providing options based on personal preference for sound and feel. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Sky POM feature nylon material which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing materials between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to bottom-out keystrokes. The nylon material's softer nature plays a significant role in providing a more cushioned typing experience, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable typing session for users of both switches.
When analyzing the impact of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split of qualities allows for a diverse typing experience, giving users the opportunity to appreciate the nuances of each housing material and how they contribute to the overall typing feel of the switch. Ultimately, whether it's the Flame Red with its nylon top and bottom housing or the Sky POM with its POM top and nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Sky POM is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams, compared to the Flame Red's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red also requires more force at 54 grams, whereas the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Sky POM due to its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the TTC Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Flame Red the longer option of the two. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, offering a good balance between depth and responsiveness, while 3.8 mm is on the shorter end, preferred by gamers for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a deeper key press with the Flame Red or a quicker response with the Sky POM. Both switches will deliver reliable performance, but with slightly different feel due to their varying travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a more neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a low-pitched sound, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Depending on your preference, you can choose the switch that best suits your auditory needs, keeping in mind that the sound can also be influenced by your keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet refined feel for your fingers. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that glides effortlessly under your fingertips. Both switches offer a comfortable typing sensation, but the Dareu Sky POM switch goes the extra mile in terms of smoothness and uniformity, creating a luxurious typing feel.
Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and Dareu Sky POM switches offer fantastic qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red switch is visually appealing with its light diffuser and provides a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch stands out for its premium POM material construction, clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Depending on whether you prioritize visual aesthetics, sound profile, or typing feel, you can select the switch that best aligns with your preferences for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a backlit keyboard and want a switch that offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a premium quality switch at an accessible price point with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM is worth considering. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing experience you desire.
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