TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch perfect for those who appreciate subtle feedback with its gentle tactile bump and quiet keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sky POM is a linear switch that stands out for its smoothness, clacky sound, and accessible price point. While the Gold Brown Pro is described as polished and thocky, the Sky POM is buttery and creamy. Each switch has its own set of qualities that cater to different typing styles 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Although both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Sky POM feature polycarbonate top housings, they produce different sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own unique qualities, catering to different preferences in sound profiles. However, if you prefer a more resonant and clear sound, the Gold Brown Pro may be a better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the Sky POM could be more suitable.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Sky POM feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. Despite having different top housings, the similar nylon bottom housings result in a comparable sound profile, ensuring consistent performance in terms of sound quality for both switches.
It's important to note that the material used in the top and bottom housings of a switch can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch means that the qualities each material brings will be felt differently when pressing down on a key compared to when releasing it. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. Understanding how each housing material influences sound profiles can help users make informed decisions when selecting a switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear which one requires more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, while the Sky POM may be preferred for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and Dareu Sky POM switches both have a travel distance of 3.8mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, both switches provide the same amount of distance for a keypress, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Gold Brown Pro or the Sky POM, you can expect to get the same comfort and feedback from the switches when pressing down on a key. With both switches having the same travel distance, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience with a gentle reminder of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to each key press. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasing auditory feedback, with the Gold Brown Pro being more subdued and neutral, while the Sky POM offers a clacky sound that adds a bit of flair to the typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch provides a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped tactile sensation, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance perfect for shared spaces. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch delivers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel, thanks to its POM material construction and premium quality design. Both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing sensation, with the Gold Brown Pro focusing on subtle tactility and the Sky POM emphasizing exceptional smoothness.
Overall, if you prefer a more subdued and refined typing experience with gentle tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a premium quality switch with a smooth and buttery typing feel, accompanied by a low-pitched and clacky sound, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is a great option to consider. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and immersive mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and a buttery smooth typing sensation, the Sky POM switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the experience you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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