TTC Gold Silver vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, providing a precise and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a harmonious sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is celebrated for its premium quality at an affordable price point, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Sky POM impresses with its buttery smoothness and creamy feel. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The TTC Gold Silver and Dareu Sky POM both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. However, the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing is described as providing a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency, but they produce distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Silver and Sky POM feature nylon housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to other materials. Both keyboards offer a classic typing experience with nylon bottom housing, providing a satisfying sound and feel with each keystroke.
When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a balanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. Both switches, however, have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Sky POM may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Gold Silver's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches would depend on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation force. Overall, while the actuation forces of the two switches differ slightly, without information on the bottom out force, it is challenging to determine how they compare in that aspect.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The Gold Silver's 3.5mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sky POM's 3.8mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper press, which some may find more comfortable for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, providing a deep, rich sound with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches present unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Silver focusing on a balanced sound profile while the Sky POM leans towards a smoother and gentler auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation with minimal resistance. While both switches prioritize smoothness in their feel, the Gold Silver emphasizes a polished and refined typing experience, whereas the Sky POM focuses on a buttery and creamy sensation.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver and the Dareu Sky POM switches each bring their own strengths to the table, offering distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Gold Silver excels in providing a rapid and responsive keystroke with a thocky and low-pitched sound, paired with a polished and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality at an accessible price point, featuring a clacky and low-pitched sound along with a buttery and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience, but rest assured that both will deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should prioritize your preferences for typing experience. If you value rapid responsiveness, solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, then the TTC Gold Silver switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, then the Dareu Sky POM switch would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing preferences and needs.
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