KTT Miaowu vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the Dareu Sky POM both stand out as popular linear options. The Miaowu switch boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action thanks to KTT's latest molds, utilizing POK in its stem to set it apart from others with conventional POM stems. Known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Miaowu switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. Characterized by its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch provides a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky 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
43g
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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and the Dareu Sky POM both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. These housings are known for their stiffness, leading to clear and resonant sound profiles. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu provides a sharper sound quality compared to the deeper sound of the POM top housing in the Sky POM.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Miaowu and Sky POM utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housings, the differences in top housings between the Miaowu and Sky POM contribute to varying sound profiles, with the Miaowu emphasizing sharpness and the Sky POM focusing on deeper tones.
Overall, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the differences in their top housings ultimately affect the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Miaowu results in a switch with a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the combination of POM and nylon in the Sky POM creates a switch with a deeper and more muted sound profile, catering to those who prefer a softer typing sound. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Sky POM at 40 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Miaowu is 50 grams, while the force for the Sky POM is unknown. The Miaowu provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the force required for the Sky POM is uncertain, but it may offer a slightly lighter actuation force, making it a good option for those who prefer a more delicate touch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Miaowu offering a lighter feel and the Sky POM potentially providing a similar result if its force is also light.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is 3.8 mm. The Miaowu has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. A travel distance of 3.5 mm is still considered relatively short, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Sky POM provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 Miaowu switch is characterized as producing a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Miaowu providing a lively and sharp sound, while the Sky POM offers a more subdued and deep tone. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, the sound produced by these switches can be further enhanced or modified.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Miaowu is often described as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In comparison, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience characterized by seamless, effortless, and uniform keystrokes. The Sky POM switch is further described as creamy and silky, offering a silky smooth typing sensation that mimics gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Miaowu providing a more lively and bouncy feel, while the Sky POM offers a smooth and buttery typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu is known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing a sharp and lively typing experience, while the Sky POM offers a low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard setup and keycaps used. If you prefer a sharp and bouncy typing experience, the Miaowu may be more suitable, while those looking for a smooth and buttery feel may favor the Dareu Sky POM switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a switch with POK stem for enhanced smoothness, stability, and keystroke action, then the Miaowu may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch crafted entirely from POM material, offering a premium feel at an accessible price point, characterized by a clacky sound, and smooth actuation force, then the Sky POM could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.