Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often face the dilemma of choosing between tactile and linear switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch renowned for its sharp tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch stands out for its premium POM material construction, providing a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Blueberry offers a snappy and textured typing experience, the Sky POM delivers a creamy and silky feel. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Dareu Sky POM both utilize POM for the top housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This results in a satisfying typing experience with a focus on the sound produced with each key press. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing materials, with the NovelKeys Blueberry opting for a POM bottom housing while the Dareu Sky POM uses nylon. The Nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Blueberry.
While the POM top housing of both switches produces a similar sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material can have a notable impact on the overall typing experience. The NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing may provide a more consistent and precise bottom-out sound and feel, while the Dareu Sky POM's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, focusing on the release sound of the key. These differences in housing materials showcase how various aspects of a switch can be tailored to enhance specific aspects of the typing experience, whether it be the bottom-out feel or the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Dareu Sky POM demonstrate the versatility of housing materials in customizing the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the POM top housing creates a unique sound profile that is consistent across both switches, the choice of bottom housing material allows for a more nuanced typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper bottom-out sound with the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry, or a deeper and fuller sound with the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that the NovelKeys Blueberry is the heavier option. The Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown, but it is safe to say that it is likely lighter than the NovelKeys Blueberry due to the lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and the desired typing experience. Whether lighter or heavier, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Blueberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blueberry offering a more standard feel while the Sky POM provides a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Sky POM for its quicker response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the NovelKeys Blueberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a unique low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a somewhat deeper tone that is not too "thocky." On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, some users may enjoy the crisp and sharp sound of the NovelKeys Blueberry, while others may prefer the clacky sound of the Dareu Sky POM. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its snappy, buttery, and invigorating typing experience, providing pronounced feedback and a responsive feel. Additionally, it is described as having a textured feel, which may offer a unique typing sensation for some users. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by its buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. The premium quality POM material used in the Dareu Sky POM switch contributes to its exceptional smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, both the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The NovelKeys Blueberry provides a sharp tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, while the Dareu Sky POM offers a clacky sound and exceptional smoothness. When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry is snappy and textured, while the Dareu Sky POM is buttery and silky smooth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, then the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, then the Dareu Sky POM could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels more comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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