TTC Neptune vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and Dareu Sky POM both stand out for their unique qualities. The Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience, resembling the springy resistance of chewy treats like mochi or tapioca pearls. On the other hand, the Sky POM is celebrated for being crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at a reasonable price point with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Neptune provides a textured pleasure with its "matte" feel and muted sound signature, the Sky POM offers a 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
41g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and Dareu Sky POM both feature POM top housings that create a deep and muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. However, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how different plastics can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a keyboard switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky POM's nylon bottom housing may not offer the same level of transparency but contributes to a softer and more absorbing sound experience. The choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference, whether you prioritize visual customization or a specific sound profile in your typing experience.
Overall, the Neptune and Sky POM demonstrate the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting keyboard switches. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Neptune's combination of POM and polycarbonate creates a more dynamic typing experience, with clear and resonant sounds upon key press. In comparison, the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing provides a smoother and rounder sound, delivering a different but equally satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches showcase the versatility of different housing materials in influencing the overall feel and sound of a keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM switch with 40 grams. However, the Neptune requires a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown. The Neptune switch is considered light in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force but lacks information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sky POM if it has a heavier bottom out force, while the Neptune provides a lighter typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and keypress depth regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the Neptune and Sky POM switches offer similar typing experiences due to their identical travel distances, ensuring that users will get comparable results when using either of these linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted typing experience with a subtle and refined sound profile. The Dareu Sky POM linear switch, on the other hand, provides a low-pitched sound, which is also mellower in tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches ensure a quieter typing experience overall, with the Neptune's sound being more subdued and neutral due to its unique internal structure, while the Sky POM delivers a clacky sound that is still relatively low-pitched. The choice of the keyboard and keycaps can further influence the sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch boasts a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its smooth glide and springy resistance. The Dareu Sky POM linear switch, crafted entirely from POM material, offers a similarly buttery and creamy feel with a silky sensation, guaranteeing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Both switches ensure a polished key press, minimizing friction and providing smooth key travel. The Neptune's unique tactile sensation akin to mochi or tapioca pearls contrasts with the Sky POM's premium quality and gentle actuation force, yet both deliver a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch each bring their own distinctive qualities to the table. The Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a unique matte feel and muted sound signature ideal for refined and swift typing. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch provides a premium quality linear switch experience at a more accessible price point, characterized by its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Whether opting for the Neptune or the Sky POM, users can expect a similar level of comfort and satisfaction from both switches, with nuances in sound and feel catering to individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the characteristics and features that align with your preferences and typing style. If you value a light bottom out force, a matte feel with a springy resistance, and a muted and refined sound profile, the TTC Neptune may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a premium POM material construction, a clacky sound, and a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
