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Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Dareu Sky POM

An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Ink Black V2 is praised for its classic linear design, providing a smooth downstroke and satisfying clack sound. On the other hand, the Sky POM is made entirely from high-quality POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Ink Black V2 is characterized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Sky POM is known for its buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky qualities. Each switch has its unique attributes and appeal, making them suitable for 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

60g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

70g

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

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Proprietary INK blend

Top housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Proprietary INK blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Color coated

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile that is described as incredibly pleasing. While both housing materials offer their own set of qualities, the difference in sound between the two switches is evident.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Black V2 again utilizes its proprietary INK blend material, contributing to the switch's high-pitched and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Black V2. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the distinct sound profiles of each switch.

Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Dareu Sky POM differ, the overall typing experience of the switches is influenced by a combination of both materials. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. Those looking for a lighter touch may lean towards the Sky POM, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Black V2 to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significantly noticeable to most users, as both fall within the range of traditional travel distances. However, for those who are more sensitive to slight variations in travel distance, the Dareu Sky POM switch may provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch may offer a slightly deeper keypress feel for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and keypress feel.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.

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 Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy tones, giving off a mellow and rich sound during key presses. Additionally, it is noted to have a slight chirpiness, adding a unique acoustic signature to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch also produces a low-pitched sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone similar to the Ink Black V2. However, the Sky POM does not exhibit the chirpy sound characteristic. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined finish that results in smooth key travel and reduced friction. This switch falls in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The Sky POM provides a silky sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Both switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, but the Sky POM may offer an even more luxurious feel due to its specific materials and factory lubrication.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Dareu Sky POM linear switches boast qualities that make them desirable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ink Black V2 leans towards a slightly chirpy and polished sound profile coupled with a mild typing experience, the Sky POM delivers a buttery, creamy, and silky feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. Depending on personal preferences in sound, feel, and budget, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that is sure to meet the needs of newcomers and seasoned mechanical keyboard users alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a clacky sound with a smooth downstroke, the Ink Black V2 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a premium POM material construction, and a clacky sound with a smooth and gentle actuation force, the Sky POM could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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