TTC Flaming Pink vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing or gaming experience, the TTC Flaming Pink and Dareu Sky POM offer distinctive characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound that creators and gamers alike find enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for those who desire an engaging yet balanced acoustical profile. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out with its unique construction of POM material, delivering a clacky sound combined with exceptional smoothness and a gentle actuation force, appealing to users who appreciate a softer touch and nuanced sound dynamics. While both linear switches deliver an impressive experience—one focusing on a premium feel and sound, the other prioritizing affordability and a unique sensory experience—each caters to specific needs and preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky POM, distinct differences can be observed in their top housings. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the material's stiffness, allowing it to resonate more fully and clearly, especially when accommodating RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The inherent properties of POM lend themselves to a sound profile that is unique and pleasantly rich, albeit less piercing than the polycarbonate variant. Therefore, while both materials contribute to the overall acoustic quality of the switches, the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the Sky POM's POM top fosters a more subdued auditory experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Dareu Sky POM exhibit similarities, as they both make use of nylon. This material is consistently recognized as a classic in switch housing due to its sound absorption capabilities. Nylon's softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a rounder and more comfortable typing experience. The shared characteristic of nylon in the bottom housing means users can expect a consistent performance regarding sound quality, regardless of the differences present in their respective top housings. Thus, when it comes to the bottom-out experience, both switches exhibit a similar feel and sound, reinforcing the comforting familiarity that users have come to appreciate in nylon-based housing designs.
The combination of differing top housings and a common bottom housing leads to a unique interplay of auditory results in both switches. In the case of the TTC Flaming Pink, users will experience a bright, crisp sound on key release due to the polycarbonate top, accompanied by the deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom upon actuation. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM presents a blend of a muted key release sound from its POM top with a similarly deep and rich bottom-out experience. Consequently, both switches provide distinct auditory profiles while utilizing a shared nylon component, offering a well-rounded experience. This intricate design means that while the key characteristics of the housing materials may differ, users can achieve a satisfying and nuanced soundscape from either model, shaping their distinct typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch showcase some differences in their actuation forces, with the Flaming Pink requiring 43 grams to actuate compared to the lighter 40 grams needed for the Sky POM. This indicates that users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sky POM, as it necessitates less force for actuation. However, the Flaming Pink also features a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a slightly firmer feel once the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare their bottoming out characteristics. While both switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, the Flaming Pink is the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial feel that some typists may appreciate.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find that the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the TTC Flaming Pink the shorter option, which may appeal to those who prefer quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, could cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing or gaming, as it provides a little more depth before bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preference: if you favor a snappier response, the Flaming Pink is the way to go, while the Sky POM is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 considering the sound profile, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet moderately low volume, creating an enjoyable typing experience without overpowering your workspace. Its bottom-out sound is described as satisfying, providing an engaging feedback that is not too loud or intrusive. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by its low-pitched clacky sound, which brings a bass-heavy tone to the experience. This mellower sound may appeal to those who prefer a quieter operation compared to sharper, louder switches. The choice between these two switches may boil down to whether you prefer a more refined, less intrusive sound from the Flaming Pink or the deep, resonant notes that the Sky POM delivers.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is praised for its smooth and responsive keystrokes, making it a well-rounded choice for both gaming and typing. It provides a consistent and solid typing experience, ensuring effortless actuation on every press. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky POM switch elevates the typing sensation with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky. This suggests an exceptionally smooth and seamless feel, making each keystroke feel almost effortless. Users can expect gliding motion that reduces any friction, allowing for a very pleasant and fluid typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a smooth feel, the Sky POM may provide a more luxurious and gentle experience due to its unique material composition, while the Flaming Pink remains suitable for a versatile use case.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink and Dareu Sky POM switches present differing characteristics that cater to varied preferences among users. The Flaming Pink emphasizes a balanced sound profile and responsive feel, making it a solid choice for everyday use and gaming alike. On the other hand, the Sky POM is designed for those seeking a richer auditory experience and a uniquely smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the preference between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes a refined sound experience with good responsiveness or a more luxurious feel accompanied by a deeper sound profile. Both have their merits and can deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, your choice should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the intended use of your mechanical keyboard. If you value a light typing experience with a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying sound that strikes a balance between subtle and engaging, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option. It's particularly well-suited for both gaming and day-to-day typing, offering a premium experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prioritize a clackier sound profile and an incredibly smooth keystroke, the Sky POM switch may be the better fit for you. Its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations provide a unique typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and are looking for premium quality at an accessible price point. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value more: the Flaming Pink for a balanced and pleasing typing experience or the Sky POM for an exceptional smoothness and character in every keystroke.
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