Kailh BCP vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Sky POM are two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. The Kailh BCP is celebrated for its innovative design, which reimagines the iconic Black Cherry Pies, providing a creamy, viscous feel that is both elastic and bouncy. Users appreciate its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM makes a strong case with its entirely POM construction, delivering an exceptionally smooth experience alongside a low actuation force. Boasting a clacky sound and a silky touch, it offers a premium feel at an accessible price point, appealing to users who seek quality without breaking the bank. 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
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and the Dareu Sky POM switches showcase contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The BCP’s top housing is made of nylon, a classic material appreciated for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This sound is characterized as being duller and rounder due to the softer nature of nylon, which contributes to a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM uses POM (polyoxymethylene), a material renowned for its unique acoustics. Although its sound profile is also deep and muted, POM brings a distinct quality that differs from nylon, ensuring that each switch type will resonate with users in varying ways despite both producing a relatively muted sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, leading to shared characteristics in their bottom-out sounds and typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing in both switches similarly elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer plastic qualities. Because this material absorbs sound effectively, it reinforces the overall muted sound characters that are apparent when these switches are pressed down. Even though the BCP and Sky POM differ in their top housing materials, the consistency of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a comparable experience when bottoming out the keys, enhancing the overall tactile feedback whether typing or gaming.
In summary, while the Kailh BCP and Dareu Sky POM differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus POM, respectively—the use of nylon in the bottom housing means that the bases of both switches will produce similar auditory experiences during the bottoming-out phase. This combination of different top materials and a shared bottom material plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. While users may appreciate the unique tonal qualities from each type of top housing, they can expect a consistent performance and sound absorption from the nylon bottom, ensuring a more cohesive typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force, with the BCP requiring a heavier push. The BCP has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM switch boasts a lighter actuation force of just 40 grams, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions due to its ease of activation. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown, leaving uncertainty about the force required when fully pressing the key down. As a result, users looking for a lighter feel should gravitate towards the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, while those desiring a heavier, more tactile experience may prefer the Kailh BCP linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Kailh BCP features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you opt for the Kailh BCP, you'll experience a shorter travel distance, which can provide a more responsive feel—beneficial for gamers seeking quick reactions. Conversely, the longer 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM might cater to those who prefer a more substantial bottom-out feel, giving them a sense of depth when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: opting for the BCP means a snappier response, while the Sky POM offers a more traditional and hearty keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 Kailh BCP linear switch has a notable signature profile that is described as poppy and clacky, which can add a distinctive auditory element to your typing experience. This characteristic sound is influenced by the meticulous design of the switch, which brings a lively presence. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy quality. This sound profile can contribute to a quieter typing environment compared to the BCP's more vibrant acoustic feedback. Both switches ultimately create engaging auditory experiences, yet one leans towards a more lively and clacky tone, while the other delivers a smoother, deeper sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP provides a creamy, viscous, and elastic sensation, leading to a bouncy typing experience that many users find enjoyable. This tactile feedback allows for a dynamic interplay between the fingers and the keys, making it an exciting option for typists who appreciate a responsive switch. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is lauded for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, which promotes a seamless and frictionless keystroke experience. The luxurious smoothness inherent in the Sky POM switches can rival the BCP's offering, creating a typing sensation that some might even describe as transformative. While the BCP emphasizes bounce and elasticity, the Sky POM leans towards a sleek and effortless engagement, thus catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Dareu Sky POM linear switches present compelling choices for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world. While the BCP excels in delivering a vibrant sound and a bouncy feel, the Sky POM stands out for its mellow auditory profile and buttery smoothness. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you favor the lively acoustics and responsive feel of the BCP or the refined softness and low-pitched sound of the Sky POM. Regardless of your selection, each switch promises to enhance your typing experience in its unique way.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that provides a bouncy, elastic feel coupled with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Kailh BCP might be the ideal choice for you. It's a great option for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a bit more resistance while typing, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions where maintaining rhythm is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with a low-pitched, buttery sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch is likely to meet your needs. Its POM material contributes to its exceptional smoothness and seamless keystroke, which is perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you, whether it's sound, force, or overall feel, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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