Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, resulting in a creamy yet lightweight feel with a slightly textured surface, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering a premium quality experience at a more accessible price point. Known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, it provides a buttery and low-pitched typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky POM switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing provides a distinct sound profile exclusive to their switches, while the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing offers its own exclusive blend, while the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing delivers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky POM switches both feature unique housing materials for their top and bottom components, they each cater to different sound preferences. The Keygeek Raw's blend top housing offers an exclusive sound profile, whereas the Sky POM's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound experience. Similarly, the Keygeek Raw's blend bottom housing offers a distinct feel, while the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for users with different preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Keygeek Raw and Dareu Sky POM switches, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend top and bottom housings offer a customized sound and feel for users, while the Sky POM's POM top housing creates a pleasing and deeper sound profile. Similarly, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing brings a unique feel to the switch, while the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. In essence, both switches aim to cater to users with distinct preferences in sound and feel, offering a personalized typing experience.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has an actuation force of 40 grams. The Keygeek Raw does not have a specified actuation force, while the Dareu Sky POM does not have a specified bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Keygeek Raw is lighter due to its lower bottom out force, while the Dareu Sky POM is heavier with its higher actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Keygeek Raw for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more firm and substantial typing experience may opt for the Dareu Sky POM. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has the shorter travel distance compared to the Dareu Sky POM. The Keygeek Raw would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM offers a bit more depth in each keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying or comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to consider which factor is more important to you when making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired acoustic experience, keeping in mind that the sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a slightly textured and mild typing experience with a subtle resistance, making it an approachable option for a wide range of users. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is noted for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. Depending on whether one prefers a textured or smoother typing sensation, each switch offers unique characteristics to cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a textured, mild typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM offers a low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches promise quality performance and can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly textured feel and a switch that is delightfully creamy yet unexpectedly lightweight, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch crafted entirely from POM material that offers a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a unique blend of materials or premium quality at an accessible price point in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
