Dareu Master vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and Dareu Sky POM are two popular choices for users looking for a linear switch. The Dareu Master, with its all-POM linear design, offers a medium weight that provides a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Master switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Sky POM switch is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Dareu Sky POM both feature POM top housing, which contributes to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other housing materials. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Master or the Sky POM, you can expect a similar sound experience when typing on these switches. However, where the two keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Master utilizes POM for its bottom housing, while the Sky POM opts for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics like POM, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The bottom housing material of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In the case of the Dareu Master, the POM bottom housing contributes to the overall deeper and more muted sound profile of the switch, enhancing the typing experience with a unique feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM's nylon bottom housing brings a different characteristic to the switch, offering a softer and more absorbent material that affects the sound in a distinct way. This difference in bottom housing material results in variations in typing sound and feel between the two keyboards, providing users with a choice based on their preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Although the Dareu Master and the Dareu Sky POM share similar POM top housing, their choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both keyboards offer a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM introduces a different texture to the typing experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Master. Ultimately, the decision between the two keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback, as each housing material brings its own distinct qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Master and Dareu Sky POM linear switches both offer a light actuation force, with the Sky POM being slightly lighter at 40 grams compared to the Master's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sky POM, as the lower actuation force can make typing for extended periods more comfortable. On the other hand, the Master switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force. Regardless, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their comparable actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master 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 Dareu Master has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dareu Sky POM. The shorter travel distance of the Master switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are known to provide quicker feedback. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sky POM switch may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for speed and depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
Overall, when comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch in terms of sound, the Master switch provides a more clacky and sharp sound compared to the low-pitched and mellow tone of the Sky POM. The Master switch offers a classic clacky sound signature, while the Sky POM offers a more bass-heavy sound. In terms of feel, the Master switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, falling into a safe middle ground zone suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches excel in providing exceptional smoothness in operation, with the Sky POM offering a premium quality at an accessible price point. Ultimately, choosing between the Master and Sky POM switches will depend on whether you prefer a clacky sound with a mild feel or a bass-heavy sound with a buttery-smooth typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a top-tier typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Master linear switch or the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, think about your preferences in terms of weight, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch made entirely from premium POM material, offering a clacky sound, gentle actuation force, and an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure you get the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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