Cherry MX Red vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches with their own unique features. The MX Red is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that blends responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch stands out for its premium quality made from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. The MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', while the Sky POM is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the MX Red for its heftier feel or the Sky POM 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Red and Dareu Sky POM both utilize nylon for their top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. However, the Sky POM's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. This distinction in sound profile can affect the typing experience by offering a unique auditory feedback to the user.
In terms of bottom housing, both the MX Red and Sky POM opt for nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This consistent choice of material for bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound for both switches. However, the bottom housing material can also impact the overall feel of the switch, with nylon providing a more rounded and duller sound compared to harder plastics.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a nuanced typing experience. The qualities brought by each housing material, whether it be nylon or POM, are distributed throughout the switch to influence both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. This division in housing materials showcases how different aspects of a switch can be tailored to enhance the typing experience, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that the Cherry MX Red is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Dareu Sky POM is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM would be the better option as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cherry MX Red with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dareu Sky POM has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Red. Both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance, with the Cherry MX Red being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Dareu Sky POM, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Cherry MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red is known for its low-pitched, thocky sound that provides a satisfying auditory experience with each press. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound as well, but leans more towards a clacky profile, adding a bit of uniqueness to the typing experience. The MX Red may provide a deeper and richer sound, while the Sky POM might offer a crisper and more pronounced clack with each key press. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red is described as having a slightly textured feel, offering a tactile feedback that some users may appreciate. On the contrary, the Dareu Sky POM switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing experience, thanks to the POM material used in its construction. The Sky POM switch provides a seamless and effortless keystroke feel, allowing for a smooth glide across the keys with minimal resistance. While the MX Red may offer a bit of texture for those who prefer some feedback, the Sky POM excels in providing a luxurious and friction-free typing sensation.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and Dareu Sky POM switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound, the Cherry MX Red might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be the perfect choice for you. While the sound and feel of these switches differ, both switches provide a reliable and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of performance and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic Cherry switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you are seeking a premium quality switch at an accessible price point, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch made entirely of POM material might be more up your alley. It is characterized by its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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