Outemu Brown vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Brown and Dareu Sky POM offer distinct characteristics to consider. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, known for its responsive feedback without the loud click sound, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM is a linear switch made entirely of POM material, providing a buttery smooth feel with a low-pitched sound profile. While the Brown switch is praised for its tactile bump, the Sky POM switch stands out for its silky smoothness and creamy feel. Both switches have their unique benefits, with the Brown switch offering a tactile typing experience and the Sky POM switch providing a premium feel at an affordable price. 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
53g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Dareu Sky POM, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their top housing materials. The Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer their own advantages - polycarbonate for a clearer and resonant sound, and POM for a unique and pleasing deep sound.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both switches use nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both the Outemu Brown and Dareu Sky POM offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon material providing a consistent depth and richness to the overall sound profile.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact within each switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Outemu Brown, and POM and nylon in the Dareu Sky POM, work together to create a balanced and unique sound profile for each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Brown switch offers a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch is lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile 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 of these switches fall into the category of traditional travel distances, with the Outemu Brown being slightly longer than the Dareu Sky POM. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience overall.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Brown switch is known for its quiet operation with no specific sound characteristics emphasized. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown is recognized for its tactile bump without any specific qualitative descriptors provided. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky. These terms suggest a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in a seamless and uniform keystroke sensation. The use of POM material in the Sky POM switch contributes to its exceptionally smooth feel during use.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown and Dareu Sky POM switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches provide quality performance in their respective categories. If you prefer a quieter switch with a tactile bump, the Outemu Brown may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy, or silky feel while typing, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Brown tactile switch or the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bottom out force of None and are seeking a smooth linear switch with a clacky sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits you best.
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