HMX Lotus vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lotus switch is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a bright and resonant sound that delivers a bouncy feeling with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch is also a linear switch, but it stands out for being crafted entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Lotus switch is praised for its bouncy feel, the Sky POM switch is admired for its smoothness and clacky sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and Dareu Sky POM switches both utilize nylon for the top housing, providing a deep and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Sky POM switches use POM for the top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end with a relatively more muted tone. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a rich sound experience that enhances the typing or gaming experience.
While the Lotus's bottom housing also uses nylon, similar to the top housing, the Sky POM switches have a bottom housing made of nylon. This means that the qualities of nylon are split between the top and bottom of the Sky POM switches, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel differently than the top. The softer nature of nylon in both cases allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether it's a nylon top or bottom housing, the use of this classic switch housing material helps in creating a more satisfying typing feel and sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and Dareu Sky POM switches play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Lotus utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housing, the Sky POM switches introduce POM for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. These differences result in unique sound characteristics for each switch, with the Lotus offering a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Sky POM's deeper and more muted tone. Despite these distinctions, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience thanks to the qualities of their chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Sky POM has a lower actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown, so direct comparison in that aspect is not possible. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lotus may be the preferable choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Sky POM could be a better fit, assuming its bottom out force aligns with their preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. The Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM, which may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a slightly longer travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel despite the slight variation in distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 HMX Lotus linear switch is known for its bright, resonant tone, providing a super bouncy feeling with each stroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched, clacky sound that is bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose between the bright and resonant sound of the Lotus or the low-pitched clack of the Sky POM.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, providing a delightful bouncy sensation with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. Typing on the Sky POM switch will feel seamless, effortless, and uniformly satisfying, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The choice between the bouncy feel of the Lotus and the buttery smoothness of the Sky POM will depend on your personal typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have their unique characteristics to offer. While the Lotus provides a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy typing experience, the Sky POM stands out for its clacky, low-pitched sound and buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more vibrant sound or a smoother typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer premium quality and a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get excellent results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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