TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red 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 Red Pro and Dareu Sky POM both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality construction from POM material, offering a clacky sound and exceptional smoothness at an affordable price point. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability for various settings, the Sky POM delivers a buttery smooth typing experience with a gentle actuation force. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Dareu Sky POM offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Sky POM's POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound preference. However, if a clear housing is desired for RGB lighting, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing would be the better choice due to its translucency.
On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Gold Red Pro or the Sky POM. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to a more dull and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Dareu Sky POM offer contrasting sound profiles, both switches share the use of nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Whether one prefers the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual sound preferences and the desired aesthetic effects such as RGB lighting. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. In terms of weight, the Gold Red Pro may be considered the heavier option due to its higher actuation force, while the Sky POM is slightly lighter. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Gold Red Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches are equal and will provide similar results when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a satisfying and deep tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch leans towards a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Red Pro being more versatile and neutral in its sound signature compared to the Dareu Sky POM.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch boasts a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined keypresses with a gentle resistance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, the Gold Red Pro leans towards a more polished and refined feel, while the Dareu Sky POM offers a buttery and creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch each have their unique strengths in sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility and neutral sound profile, complemented by a polished and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out with its premium POM material construction, clacky sound, and buttery, creamy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking for, but rest assured, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value versatility, neutral sound, and a seamless typing experience suitable for various settings, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize premium quality at an accessible price point, a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch could be more aligned with your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to what features are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.