TTC Honey vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Dareu Sky POM, both of which are linear switches. The TTC Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its premium quality made entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Honey switch is described as 'subdued', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'buttery', 'subtle', and 'polished', the Sky POM switch is characterized as 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'creamy', and 'silky'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and Dareu Sky POM both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a higher-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sky POM produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different typing sensation. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences when it comes to typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey mirrors the qualities of the top housing, creating a consistent and clear sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Nylon bottom housing providing a deeper sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material used in the Honey.
In summary, the choice of housing material in a switch, whether it be polycarbonate or POM for the top housing, and polycarbonate or nylon for the bottom housing, plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Honey and Sky POM offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality and overall typing feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound will depend on your personal preferences when it comes to mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see that the Honey has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams, making the Honey slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Honey requires 50 grams compared to the Sky POM's unspecified force, making the Honey heavier in this regard. This means that the Honey provides a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force but requires a heavier force to bottom out, while the Sky POM remains unknown in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky POM, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Honey. Nonetheless, with similar actuation forces, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes on both switches.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and Dareu Sky POM linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a similar level of key travel. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience and feel, making them ideal options for those looking for a precise and uniform keypress every time. Whether you choose the Honey or the Sky POM, you can expect to receive comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 TTC Honey linear switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for its low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tones, giving a unique auditory feedback during typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance or change the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and accompanying components like keycaps and the keyboard itself.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, promising a smooth and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch boasts a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, emphasizing exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feedback that can significantly impact typing comfort and performance.
In conclusion, while the TTC Honey and Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer slightly different sound and feel profiles, both are renowned for their smoothness and pleasant typing experiences. Whether you prefer a more subdued sound with a creamy feel or a low-pitched sound with a buttery sensation, both switches are likely to provide satisfying results depending on your personal preferences. It's essential to consider how these switches complement your overall setup and typing style to optimize your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a gentle actuation force and a clacky sound profile from a switch crafted entirely from POM material, then the Dareu Sky POM switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.