Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its premium quality made from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Ink Box Black is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished', the Sky POM is described as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths, making them suitable choices depending on personal preference. 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky POM both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a sharper, clacky sound, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Black's INK blend offers a high-pitched and satisfying sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM elicits a fuller and deeper sound. Overall, the two switches offer contrasting sound experiences due to their different housing materials.
Despite their differences, the top and bottom housings of both switches play a vital role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in the Ink Box Black, thanks to its INK blend material, while the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the top housing material of each switch influences the sound when a key is released. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black creates a higher-pitched and clacky sound, whereas the POM top housing of the Sky POM produces a deeper and more pleasing sound.
While the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Sky POM have different housing materials, they ultimately both deliver satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The INK blend material of the Ink Box Black provides a more pointed and high-pitched sound, perfect for those seeking a clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the POM material of the Sky POM offers a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users looking for a quieter and more rounded typing sound. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing feel and sound, demonstrating the importance of material choice in designing mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams, making the Sky POM the lighter option for a smoother typing experience. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black requires 70 grams while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Ink Box Black the heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the feel and performance of a switch, with lighter options being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier options providing a more satisfying push feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users who prefer a more pronounced key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound when pressed, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profile, with the Ink Box Black offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Sky POM providing a more subdued and deep tone.
When it comes to feel, both the Ink Box Black and the Sky POM switches are known for their smooth typing experience. The Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, offering minimal resistance and a refined finish for a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sky POM is characterized as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of typing and reduce friction, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch both excel in delivering a smooth typing experience with distinct sound profiles. If you prefer a high-pitched and clacky sound, along with a polished and silky feel, the Ink Box Black would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel for effortless typing, the Sky POM switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the factors that are important to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, then the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch made entirely of POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, then the Dareu Sky POM switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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