Cherry Nixie vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM sets itself apart with its premium quality made entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force at an accessible price point. While the Nixie is 'Textured' and 'Thocky', the Sky POM is 'Buttery' and 'Creamy'. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie's nylon housing boasts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM's POM housing offers a unique sound profile on the deeper side, which is relatively more muted. Despite their differences, both materials focus on enhancing the typing experience by providing a distinct sound profile for users to enjoy.
While the Nixie's top housing is made of nylon and the Sky POM's top housing is made of POM, both materials contribute to creating a pleasing sound profile. The softer properties of nylon in the Nixie create a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM top housing of the Sky offers a more muted sound experience. However, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and the sound when letting go of a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Sky POM housing materials comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Nixie's nylon housing or the unique, muted sound of the Sky POM's POM housing, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience for users. With a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback, these housing materials offer a tailored experience for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Nixie has a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Sky POM's lighter 40 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Nixie is 80 grams, while the force for the Sky POM is unknown. This significant difference in actuation and bottom out forces highlights that the Nixie switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push for each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by users looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the Sky POM. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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 Nixie switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich typing experience that is satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to typing sessions. Both switches can deliver a pleasant auditory feedback, but the Nixie may lean towards a deeper and more substantial sound compared to the Sky POM's smoother and clackier tone.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is recognized for its textured typing experience, providing a tactile sensation that some users prefer for a more engaging feel while typing. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and fluidity in each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Nixie focusing on a textured feel and the Sky POM prioritizing a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch bring unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie offers a thocky sound and textured feel, the Sky POM provides a low-pitched sound and a buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. If a user enjoys a deep and rich sound with a textured feel, the Nixie would be a suitable choice, while those seeking a smooth and clacky sound with a buttery typing sensation might prefer the Sky POM. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and innovation in their respective ways, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their unique typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a deep, thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force, a clacky sound, and a smooth, buttery feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Explore the unique characteristics of each switch to find the one that enhances your typing experience the most.
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