KTT Hyacinth vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky POM both emerge as compelling choices, yet they cater to distinct user preferences. The KTT Hyacinth is renowned for its thoughtfully designed 3.5mm travel distance, which mitigates the jarring experience of bottoming out, making it a favored option for those who appreciate a balance of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction without the harshness typical of longer-stem switches. Its unique single-stage elongated spring design offers users a consistent force curve, enhancing overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM excels in delivering a premium feel at an accessible price, featuring a smooth actuation and a low-pitched, clacky sound that appeals to gamers and typists alike. This switch, crafted entirely from POM material, promises a buttery and creamy typing experience, making it a strong contender for those seeking both performance and auditory enjoyment. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky POM, the primary distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Hyacinth is crafted with a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances the resonance, producing a clearer auditory experience. This quality is particularly significant for users who want a sharp and articulate sound, especially in setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the material’s translucency allows for excellent light diffusion. In contrast, the Sky POM uses a POM top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and more muted sound. This softer acoustic quality results from POM’s unique physical properties, which can absorb more sound waves and offer a subdued auditory experience. Thus, while both switches excel in sound quality, the Hyacinth leans toward brilliance and clarity, while the Sky POM embraces warmth and depth.
On the other hand, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky POM share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both switches employ nylon. This material is widely recognized as a classic choice due to its ability to evoke a deeper, fuller sound profile. Regardless of the top housing differences, the nylon bottom contributes a consistent depth to the overall typing experience. Both switches will result in a rounder and duller sound when the switches are pressed down, emphasizing the soft nature of nylon that absorbs sound effectively. As such, the muted tones of the Hyacinth's top housing could be balanced by the nylon bottom, creating an intriguing sound profile that showcases both the crystalline and the subdued qualities in tandem.
In summary, the KTT Hyacinth and the Dareu Sky POM exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housings, influencing their sound profiles significantly. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top promotes clarity and brightness, while the Sky POM's POM top offers a more muted and bass-heavy tone. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures that they share a foundation of fullness and depth in sound quality. Hence, while users could expect different auditory experiences from the two switches, both can achieve rich and satisfying sound results primarily influenced by their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth linear switch with the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the actuation forces reveal some interesting contrasts. The Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sky POM features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that users who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Sky POM for extended use, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Hyacinth is specified at 56 grams, indicating that it has a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is listed as unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparison for that particular measurement. Therefore, while the Hyacinth offers a heavier overall feel with both its actuation and bottom out forces, the Sky POM stands out as the lighter option, which could appeal to those seeking a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Hyacinth features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that those who prefer quicker response times may find the Hyacinth more appealing, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Sky POM, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a greater depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences: if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the KTT Hyacinth would be the better option; however, if you value a deeper keystroke, the Dareu Sky POM may be more suited to your taste.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 KTT Hyacinth switch is characterized by a neutral auditory profile, making it versatile enough for various environments. This sound type allows it to blend well in both quiet settings like offices and at home, without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a distinct low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy. This clacky tone not only adds a satisfying auditory layer to the typing experience but also gives a more pronounced auditory feedback during use. Ultimately, while the Hyacinth provides a subdued sound suitable for shared spaces, the Sky POM delivers a more resonant tonal quality that some might find more engaging.
Focusing on the feel, the KTT Hyacinth switch distinguishes itself with a silky and subtle typing experience. The smooth keystrokes minimize resistance and enhance typing comfort, making it a great choice for those who prefer a light touch without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery and creamy, promoting an effortless and smooth keystroke experience that feels exceptionally fluid. Both switches also have a silky texture, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience. Despite the differing descriptions, both the Hyacinth and Sky POM switches ultimately contribute to a satisfying tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth and Dareu Sky POM linear switches showcase some differences in sound profile—neutral versus low-pitched—they both emphasize a silky feel that provides an enjoyable typing experience. The Hyacinth is ideal for those looking for a versatile switch suitable for all environments, while the Sky POM appeals to users who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback combined with its buttery and creamy feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both options can deliver outstanding performance in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a switch that provides a well-balanced and medium-light typing experience, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its 3.5mm travel distance allows for comfortable typing with minimal bottoming out, and the silky yet subtle feel ensures a smooth experience, making it suitable for both work and casual use in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you seek a more buttery and creamy experience, the Sky POM switch might be more to your liking. Its clacky sound combined with exceptional smoothness delivers a fantastic and enjoyable typing experience at an accessible price point. Overall, choose the Hyacinth for a neutral sound and a more traditional linear feel, and opt for the Sky POM if you desire a low-pitched sound profile with a luxurious typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you plan to use your keyboard and the specific tactile feedback you appreciate while typing.
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