KTT Orange vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Orange is renowned for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile due to its specific materials and design. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its buttery smoothness, clacky sound, and gentle actuation force, all crafted from premium POM material. While the Orange switch emphasizes a bouncy feel and slick typing experience, the Sky POM focuses on smoothness and a distinctive clacky sound. 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
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky POM, we can see a clear distinction in the sound profiles they produce. The Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the Sky POM features a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing creates a unique, pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller, rounder sound profile due to its softer nature.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Orange and the Sky POM, both switches offer their own distinct advantages. The polycarbonate top housing of the Orange is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, resulting in a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard setup. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sky POM offers a deeper sound profile that may be preferred by users seeking a more subdued typing experience. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM absorbs more sound, creating a duller bottom-out sound that some users may find more satisfying.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky POM ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. The polycarbonate housing of the Orange provides a sharper, crisper sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM offers a unique, deep sound experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall typing sound and feel, with each material bringing its own set of qualities to the table. Whether you prefer the clear, resonant sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM and nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see that the Orange has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of 53 grams for the Orange and an unknown force for the Sky POM. In terms of weight, the Sky POM is the lighter option which may be favored for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it's clear that the Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the subtle difference of 0.3 mm may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the Orange switch, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Sky POM. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between these two switches may not be significant for many users, as they both offer a relatively short and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Orange and the Dareu Sky POM switches are described as having a low-pitched profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. While the specific sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both of these switches provide a pleasing auditory experience with their unique characteristics.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange switch is highlighted for its bouncy and frictionless qualities, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through different mechanisms, with the Orange focusing on bounce and smoothness, while the Sky POM offers a luxurious and silky keystroke feel.
In conclusion, while the KTT Orange and Dareu Sky POM switches differ slightly in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their unique qualities. Whether you prefer the bouncy and frictionless feel of the Orange or the buttery and silky sensation of the Sky POM, you can expect a premium typing experience from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and material composition. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch made entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound profile and smooth actuation, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and sound preference.
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