Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it an ideal choice for competitive gamers who prioritize speed and precision; its full-height design ensures that each keystroke is registered instantaneously, potentially giving players a crucial edge in gameplay. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its premium feel, accessible pricing, and a notably clacky sound profile. Crafted entirely from POM material, the Sky POM switch excels in providing a buttery and smooth typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate tactile satisfaction without compromising on sound. While the Speed Silver is tailored for those seeking high-speed performance, the Sky POM caters to users looking for a balance of affordability and an enjoyable acoustical feedback. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and Dareu Sky POM switches showcase notable differences and similarities in their housing materials. The Cherry MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a distinctive sound profile that is characterized as deeper and fuller due to nylon's softer texture. This material's ability to absorb sounds results in a more muted auditory experience, providing a pleasant typing atmosphere that reduces the potentially sharp sounds associated with harder plastics. Conversely, the Dareu Sky employs a POM top housing, which also produces a unique sound that tilts toward the deeper and more muted side. While both materials create rounded sound profiles, the Sky POM may lend a slightly different character to the overall auditory feedback due to the inherent properties of POM, which typically reflects and diffuses sound in a distinctive manner.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that both the MX Speed Silver and the Sky POM incorporate nylon as their material of choice. Here, the benefits of nylon shine through, as both switches will deliver similar sound qualities; they evoke the same deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to nylon's softer composition. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience reinforces this shared characteristic. As users press down on either switch, they will likely experience a familiar tactile feedback resulting from the nylon’s absorption capabilities. Each switch benefits from the same foundational qualities that nylon provides, ensuring both deliver a sound experience that is rich and less sharp.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, the similar bottom housing composition means that the tactile feedback and sound profile when bottoming out will feel consistent across both switches. The MX Speed Silver's nylon bottom ensures that the user experiences a pleasant, cushioned bottom-out effect, while the Dareu Sky POM utilizes the same nylon, yielding an equivalent feel when engaged. Ultimately, while the two switches may diverge in their intricacies brought about by their top housings, the pairing of nylon in both bottoms ensures that they share a significant similarity in terms of feel and overall acoustic output, appealing to users seeking muted and deep sound experiences in both typing and gaming scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find some notable differences in actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Sky POM, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions, the Sky POM may be a more comfortable choice. Both switches, however, have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. Without this information, we can't assess how these switches feel when fully depressed. Overall, while the MX Speed Silver provides a firmer keystroke feel, the Sky POM's lighter actuation force may appeal to users seeking a more responsive experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The MX Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sky POM has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the preferable choice due to its shorter travel, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM’s 3.8 mm travel distance may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, providing a deeper keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a quicker, snappier actuation or a more pronounced depth in the keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch features a notable thocky tone, characterized by its deep and rich acoustic feedback that delivers a satisfying sound with each keystroke. This low-pitched sound provides a mellow, bass-heavy experience that many users appreciate, especially in gaming environments where auditory cues can enhance performance. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch also boasts a low-pitched sound, making it similarly mellow but distinctively clacky. This clackiness adds a unique auditory element, offering a different texture to typing that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. While both switches are low-pitched, the Speed Silver's thocky nature versus the Sky POM's clackiness creates a diversified auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel, the differences between the two switches become more pronounced. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is slightly textured, which means users may experience a subtle friction or scratchiness when pressing down on the key. This textured feel can provide tactile feedback that some gamers might find helpful during high-speed actions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM is celebrated for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. The smoothness of the Sky POM switch lends itself to a more effortless and fluid keystroke motion, which contrasts sharply with the textured feel of the Speed Silver. As a result, the Sky POM may be more suitable for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without any noticeable resistance.
In summary, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Sky POM switches, users are presented with distinct auditory and tactile qualities. While both offer low-pitched sounds, the Speed Silver is more thocky and gaming-focused, whereas the Sky POM is clacky and offers a smooth, buttery feel. Ultimately, the decision will depend on personal preference: if you value speed and tactile feedback, the Speed Silver might suit you best; however, if you prioritize smoothness and a pleasant auditory experience, the Sky POM could be the better choice. Both switches provide unique experiences that cater to different types of users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences in both gaming and typing experiences. If you're an avid gamer who thrives on quick reflexes and requires a switch that provides rapid actuation with minimal resistance, the MX Speed Silver is an excellent choice. Its thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel enhance your gaming performance, delivering instant feedback that can be crucial in competitive scenarios. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch is a fantastic option, particularly due to its buttery and creamy keystroke sensation. This switch offers a quieter, low-pitched sound profile that is both pleasant and satisfying, making it ideal for typing tasks over long periods or for those who appreciate a more relaxed tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean more towards high-performance gaming or comfortable, enjoyable typing.
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