Haimu Orange Sea vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky POM offer compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quiet operation and a seamless keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out with its premium POM construction, delivering a clacky sound that many find satisfying, along with exceptional smoothness and a gentle actuation force. This makes the Sky POM an attractive option for those who enjoy auditory feedback without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to different preferences: whether you desire a subdued, meticulously smooth experience or a more textured, dynamic typing sensation, both options present their unique advantages. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Dareu Sky POM keyboards feature distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a choice that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which facilitates a more resonant sound, particularly enhanced when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM employs a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This material difference leads to a contrasting auditory experience—where the Orange Sea appeals more to those seeking a bright and vibrant sound, the Sky POM caters to users who prefer a subtler, warmer tone.
Despite their differing top housing materials, both the Orange Sea and Sky POM share nylon as their bottom housing material. This classic choice is pivotal in creating a fuller sound profile and adds consistency to their performance. The nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder materials, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience on both the Orange Sea and Sky POM. Consequently, the bottom housing's impact is fundamental in shaping the overall sound quality, with both keyboards delivering a deeper and more cohesive bottom-out feel despite the variation in their upper sound profiles.
When it comes to overall user experience, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials will affect the way each switch feels and sounds during operation. With the Orange Sea's polycarbonate top providing a brighter sound when releasing the key, paired with the lush and muted effect of its nylon bottom, users can expect a dynamic typing experience that blends the best of both characteristics. In contrast, the Sky POM, with its POM top and nylon bottom, will yield a more uniform and rounded sound, enhancing the pleasure of muted typing. Ultimately, while the top housings introduce a distinct character to each keyboard, the use of nylon in both bottom housings achieves a commonality in delivering a satisfying typing feel that underscores the significance of material choices in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sky POM requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Orange Sea may be more suitable for users looking for a switch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions with less finger fatigue, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM switch is unavailable, making it challenging to compare the two switches fully on this aspect. The Orange Sea's bottom out force is recorded at 45 grams, indicating it provides a tangible feedback at the end of the keystroke, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if one prefers a lighter actuation and a known bottom out force, the Haimu Orange Sea is the way to go, while the Dareu Sky POM, despite its lack of bottom out data, offers a heavier actuation that may be favored by users looking for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM features a slightly longer distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Orange Sea is the shorter of the two switches, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer quicker response times. In contrast, the Sky POM's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, if you choose the Haimu Orange Sea, you can expect a more responsive and agile experience, whereas the Dareu Sky POM may appeal to those who enjoy a little more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, allowing for a subtle auditory experience that won't distract you while typing. This makes it suitable for work environments or shared spaces where noise levels matter. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch produces a low-pitched, clacky sound that is more resonant and bass-heavy, providing a distinctly lively auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, the sound profile depends on various factors, including the keyboard casing and keycap material, but the Orange Sea offers a more subdued audio presence compared to the vibrant sound of the Sky POM.
When examining the feel, the Orange Sea switch is praised for its impeccably smooth typing experience, ensuring a seamless keystroke that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is elevated by descriptors like "buttery," "creamy," and "silky," which together create an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing sensation. The POM material likely contributes to this sensation, elevating the tactile experience and providing a high-quality feel that can make lengthy typing sessions comfortable. Both switches, while differing in their descriptions, focus on smoothness but deliver it in unique ways—Orange Sea with its straightforward smoothness compared to the luxurious sensations offered by the Sky POM.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch appeals to those who favor a neutral sound and a reliably smooth typing experience, the Dareu Sky POM switch attracts enthusiasts looking for a richer auditory feedback and an ultra-smooth, creamy feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both offer qualities that enhance the typing experience in their own right. Users can expect a satisfying and seamless interaction with either switch, but the auditory and tactile experiences will be distinct.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter key feel that offers a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is an excellent choice. It is particularly well-suited for those who value a seamless and quiet environment while working or gaming, making it a great option for extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile and immersive experience, complemented by a distinctive low-pitched clacky sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch will serve you well. Its buttery, creamy, and silky feel elevates your typing to an enjoyable experience, perfect for those who relish the subtle auditory feedback of clacky switches. Thus, your choice should ultimately reflect your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound level, and overall typing experience.
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