Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Crystal Brown is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its smoothness and clacky sound due to being crafted entirely from POM material. While the Crystal Brown offers a tactile typing experience, the Sky POM provides a buttery and low-pitched feel. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Crystal Brown being ideal for those who prefer tactile feedback, and the Sky POM appealing to those who appreciate a smooth and clacky typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and Dareu Sky POM housing materials, it is clear that the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Sky POM's POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own unique attributes when it comes to sound production, with the polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, while the POM creates a more pleasing and deeper sound. However, both materials offer clarity in sound production, with the polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Crystal Brown and Sky POM utilize nylon for its softer and more sound-absorbent properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches helps to create a duller and rounder sound, providing a pleasant typing experience. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Overall, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Dareu Sky POM housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a unique and deeper sound profile that may be more pleasing to some users. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that enhance the overall typing experience, providing a deeper and fuller sound that is sure to satisfy users looking for a more tactile feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Crystal Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, whereas the Sky POM's force is unknown. The Crystal Brown falls into the medium-light category in terms of weight, providing a balance between keypress responsiveness and typing comfort. On the other hand, the Sky POM's weight is not specified, which may create uncertainty for users seeking a specific level of force feedback. Weight plays a significant role in user preference, with lighter switches being favored for prolonged typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Dareu Sky POM offer different weight profiles, catering to users with varying preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Outemu Crystal Brown the longer of the two switches. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Crystal Brown's 4 mm travel distance may provide a slightly more deliberate key press compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Crystal Brown offering a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Crystal 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 Crystal Brown switch is known for being quiet and having no distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by a low-pitched clacky sound. This means that while the Crystal Brown offers a more subdued typing experience in terms of sound, the Sky POM provides a more pronounced and bass-heavy audio feedback, giving a different auditory experience to the user.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific description available. However, the Dareu Sky POM switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystrokes. This means that the Sky POM switch offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the subjective feel of the Crystal Brown switch remains unknown.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown and Dareu Sky POM switches offer contrasting experiences in terms of both sound and feel. While the Crystal Brown switch provides a quiet typing experience with an unknown feel, the Sky POM switch delivers a low-pitched clacky sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard to their desired specifications. Whether you prefer a quiet and unknown tactile experience or a clacky and smooth linear feel, both switches can offer satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and buttery feel, characterized by a clacky sound and no bottom out force, the Dareu Sky POM could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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