Huano Grape Orange vs. Dareu Sky POM

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each option brings its own unique feel and experience to the typing landscape. The Huano Grape Orange switch distinguishes itself through its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, ensuring a typing experience that is both effortless and ideal for long-term use. This switch is particularly suited for users looking for a smooth and fatigue-free experience during extended typing sessions, making it a great choice for writers and gamers alike. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted from POM material, providing a premium feel at an accessible price point. It is celebrated for its clacky sound and creamy smoothness, along with a gentle actuation force that delivers satisfying tactile feedback. With its distinctive auditory and tactile characteristics, the Sky POM could appeal to those who enjoy a more engaging and dynamic typing experience. While both switches are categorized as linear, their unique properties cater to different user preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials used in the Huano Grape Orange switches and the Dareu Sky POM switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This offers a crisper auditory experience, especially suited for users who prioritize clarity and resonance in their typing sounds. Moreover, polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is introduced, allowing for vibrant color illumination that permeates the housing. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This distinction means that while the Grape Orange emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Sky POM fosters a unique auditory experience that is richer and less piercing.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Grape Orange and the Dareu Sky POM utilize nylon—a classic material revered in switch manufacturing. Nylon is characterized by its softer properties, which absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller typing experience. Consequently, both switches will illicit a rounder sound profile when bottoming out, reflecting their shared construction in the lower housing. This similarity highlights the inherent qualities of nylon, which delivers satisfying feedback regardless of the differences in the top housings. Hence, while the auditory signature when releasing a key differs between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom encapsulates a harmonious feeling of fullness and depth in both models.

The combined effect of differing top housings and the same bottom housing leads to a unique auditory experience for each switch. The sharper, more resonant sound of the Huano Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top contrasts with the Dareu Sky POM’s muted depth, ultimately providing users with varying sensations based on the specific characteristics of each switch's construction. However, since both switches feature nylon at the bottom, the typing experience retains a consistent warmth and richness. This suggests that even though the two switches produce distinct auditory profiles due to the differing top materials, the cohesive performance driven by the nylon bottoms ensures that users will still enjoy a satisfying and immersive typing experience across both options.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see that the actuation forces are the same at 40 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Huano Grape Orange is 50 grams, which means that users will experience a definitive bottoming out sensation when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Dareu Sky POM is unknown, making it difficult to assess whether it provides a similar tactile experience upon full depression. Given the known values, the Huano Grape Orange can be categorized as the heavier switch because of its measurable bottom out force, whereas the Dareu Sky POM may be lighter or potentially offer a different feel depending on its unconfirmed bottom out characteristics. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Grape Orange provides a great option with its lighter overall feel despite its heavier bottom out sensation.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange and Dareu Sky POM linear switches have distinct travel distances that can significantly affect typing and gaming experiences. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference, albeit small, means that the Grape Orange offers a more responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers who prefer quicker actuation and faster response times. Conversely, the Sky POM's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper press, which can lead to a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Grape Orange being the shorter option and the Sky POM providing a longer, more robust feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is relatively quiet, providing a more subdued auditory profile than the Dareu Sky POM switch, which is characterized by a low-pitched clack. The Grape Orange’s sound can be described as soft and pleasant, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Sky POM produces a distinctively bass-heavy and mellow sound, contributing to a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. While the sound quality of any switch can be influenced by factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used, the Grape Orange leans towards a more muted experience compared to the more resonant Sky POM.

When considering the feel, the Grape Orange switch is lauded for its incredibly light actuation force of 40g, resulting in an effortless typing experience that’s ideal for long sessions. This lightweight characteristic grants users a fast and fluid typing sensation without much strain. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch excels in delivering a combination of buttery, creamy, and silky sensations. This means that with each keystroke, users can expect a smooth, gliding experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall comfort. The differing actuation forces and textural sensations create distinct feel experiences, making the Grape Orange focused more on lightness while the Sky POM emphasizes smoothness.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer unique sensations namely in sound and feel. The Grape Orange provides a quieter, softer auditory experience and an exceptionally light typing feel, making it a great choice for those prioritizing discretion and ease of use. In contrast, the Sky POM delivers a richer sound coupled with a smoothly luxurious typing feel, appealing to users seeking auditory feedback and a creamy experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches can result in satisfaction, but their distinct qualities offer different advantages for various typists.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the Huano Grape Orange and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches come with unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. You might want to opt for the Grape Orange switch if you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience, especially for long-duration tasks. With its low actuation force and smooth keystroke, this switch can minimize fatigue and enhance productivity, making it ideal for writers or programmers. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a buttery, creamy, and silky feel along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM switch may be your best bet. This switch's engaging tactile feedback and premium quality make it a great choice for those who enjoy a more smooth and satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific typing needs and preferences, so consider trying both to see which one resonates with you the most.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more