Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Sky POM present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an elevated typing experience and superior acoustics—an ideal upgrade for Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering a buttery smoothness and a low-pitched clacky sound at an accessible price point. This linear switch is perfect for users looking for a gentle actuation force combined with exceptional comfort. Each switch has its unique strengths; while the Magnetic Jade excels in acoustics and typographical feedback, the Sky POM stands out for its smooth operation and affordability. 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
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Sky POM switches, it's clear that they utilize different materials for their top housings. The Magnetic Jade employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with enhanced clarity and resonance. This is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM features a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. While these two materials diverge significantly in terms of sound characteristics, both switches can be designed with clear or translucent options, allowing for aesthetic compatibility when paired with RGB lighting, potentially leading to similar visual results in illuminated settings despite their differing acoustic outputs.
On the bottom housing front, both the Magnetic Jade and Sky POM switches utilize nylon, a material celebrated for its softer qualities. This shared choice of material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon's sound-absorbing nature contributes to a more rounded auditory experience. The similarity in the bottom housing provides a consistent tactile feedback and sound sensation when bottoming out, meaning that both switches will deliver a satisfying and cushioned feel during use. Therefore, despite the contrasting top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users can expect a similar depth of sound and tactile feedback when actuating the switches.
In summary, the primary distinction lies in the materials used for the top housings, with the Magnetic Jade offering a brighter and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the Dareu Sky POM provides a deeper, more muted sound courtesy of its POM material. Conversely, the nylon bottom housings of both switches present a unified voice, yielding a pleasing and full tactile experience. Consequently, while the auditory experience may vary when engaging with the top housings, users can still find common ground in the overall feel and performance thanks to the shared characteristics of the nylon material in the bottom housings. This combination reveals how a switch’s sound and tactile feedback can be influenced distinctly yet harmoniously by the different housing materials, crafting a unique typing experience in each case.
Weight
When comparing the actuation forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Magnetic Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Sky POM has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This suggests that the Magnetic Jade might be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM's heavier actuation force could appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown, which adds an element of uncertainty to its overall performance profile. The Magnetic Jade's bottom out force is recorded at 55 grams, indicating it delivers a satisfying resistance when fully pressed down. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter and potentially more comfortable switch may lean towards the Gateron Magnetic Jade, while those desiring a firmer typing experience might gravitate towards the Dareu Sky POM, given its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Sky POM, with its 3.8 mm travel, offers a more traditional feel that could be preferable for users who enjoy a richer, deeper key press. Overall, if you favor immediate actuation, the Magnetic Jade would provide similar responsiveness, while those who appreciate a more pronounced travel experience might opt for the Sky POM.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches deliver a bright and clacky sound, making them a distinctive choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switches offer a somewhat low-pitched clacky sound that provides a mellower auditory experience. While both switches exhibit a pronounced clack, the tonal quality differs, with the Magnetic Jade leaning towards a higher, more vibrant sound profile and the Sky POM delivering a deeper, bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, sound perception will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps, so users can expect some acoustic variability even between these two models.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches stand out for their overall typing experience, being perceived as smooth and responsive. However, the Sky POM switches take this quality to another level, described as buttery, creamy, and silky. The buttery sensation suggests that users will enjoy effortless keystrokes, while the creamy texture enhances the smoothness, making the actuation feel seamless. This perfect combination results in a luxurious typing experience that could be considered superior to the more straightforward feel of the Magnetic Jade, giving the Sky POM a notable edge in terms of tactile satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Dareu Sky POM switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited for different preferences. If you favor a brighter sound with a crispier feel, the Magnetic Jade may be your go-to option. On the other hand, if you appreciate a richer, low-pitched sound combined with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Sky POM would serve you well. Each switch caters to specific tastes, ensuring that regardless of which you choose, you'll experience high-quality performance tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you favor a bright and clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade switch is an excellent choice, particularly if you're upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard and want a superior typing experience with a satisfying auditory response. With its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance that can be comfortable for extended typing sessions while still providing enough feedback for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel in your keystrokes and enjoy a low-pitched, mellow sound, the Sky POM switch may be the better option. Crafted from POM material, it promises a creamy and silky typing experience that is particularly appealing if you type frequently or play games where quick and fluid key presses are necessary. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value acoustics and a bit of resistance from the Magnetic Jade or if you prefer the effortless gliding sensation and softer sound profile that the Sky POM delivers.
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