Dareu Holly vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and Dareu Sky POM stand out as popular options for users seeking a unique typing experience. The Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, offers a medium 50g actuation force and a distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to those looking for a balanced and distinctive feel while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch, is crafted entirely from POM material and features a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, providing a premium quality typing experience at an accessible price point. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
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
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Dareu Sky POM both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Holly is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM offers a more understated look.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches deliver similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. Whether it's the Holly or the Sky POM, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a focus on depth and fullness in sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ, with the Holly featuring polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, and the Sky POM featuring POM top housing and nylon bottom housing, the overall typing experience will be a blend of the qualities each housing material brings. The impact on sound and feel when pressing down on a key will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the top housing. This unique combination of housing materials in each switch offers users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM may be the better choice with its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Dareu Holly tactile switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Holly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM. Generally, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when pressing a key, which some users may prefer for typing or gaming. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance like the one on the Sky POM can offer faster response times, which is favored by gamers looking for quick actions during gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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
The Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a clacky sound that is characterized by its exceptional smoothness and gentle actuation force. The chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly switch sets it apart, while the low-pitched sound of the Sky POM switch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, information on the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided. However, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is described as offering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the Sky POM switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a clacky sound with exceptional smoothness. Both switches provide a different typing experience in terms of sound and potentially feel, catering to users with varying preferences. Depending on whether you prefer a balanced and distinctive typing experience or a smooth and fluid keystroke, choosing between the Holly and Sky POM switches will result in different outcomes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch or the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements with a medium actuation force, the Holly switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a premium quality switch with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force at an accessible price point, then the Sky POM switch is the one for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and typing feel.