Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Sky POM, both being linear switches. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that some compare to a dark chocolate bar snapping, with descriptors like 'Creamy' and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch made entirely from POM material offers exceptional smoothness and a clacky sound, with descriptors like 'Silky' and 'Buttery'. While both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing, such as the accessible price point of the Sky POM and the premium feel of the Oil King, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help in making the best choice for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Sky POM both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a relatively more muted and deeper sound that is pleasing and unique. While both materials enhance the sound of the switches, they offer different tones and levels of sound clarity.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing. The bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite the differences in the bottom housing materials of the two switches, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King and the Dareu Sky POM utilize different housing materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. While the Oil King focuses on a clacky and high-pitched sound with its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, the Sky POM offers a more muted and deep sound with its POM top housing. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether it be the top or bottom housing, these materials play a crucial role in the overall sound experience of typing on these switches, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King has a heavier touch compared to the Sky POM. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Sky POM, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Oil King may be the preferred choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King 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 Sky POM has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. A 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but when it comes to keystrokes, it can make a difference in feel and responsiveness. Gamers may lean towards the Sky POM for its quicker response time, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Oil King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and rich auditory experience reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone during key presses. Both switches promise a satisfying sound experience, with the Oil King leaning towards a richer tone while the Sky POM provides a more subdued yet clacky sound. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in shaping the final sound output.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King switch boasts a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that allows for effortless and uniform typing. Similarly, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel, ensuring a smooth and buttery experience that enhances overall typing comfort. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them ideal options for users seeking a seamless and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Oil King and Dareu Sky POM linear switches excel in providing a premium typing experience characterized by smoothness and satisfying sound profiles. While the Oil King leans towards a richer sound tone and a polished typing feel, the Sky POM offers a clackier sound and comparable smoothness, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and sound satisfaction with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Oil King with 65 grams may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with no specified bottom out force, the Sky POM switch could be the ideal option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics that appeal to you the most. If you prefer low-pitched, bassy sounds with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, the Oil King may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing sensation, the Sky POM switch could be the perfect match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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