Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch that is best known for its reliable performance and durability, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, also a linear switch, stands out for its premium quality construction using POM material, and is praised for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Dustproof Black excels in providing a consistent typing experience, the Sky POM offers a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky feel. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Dareu Sky POM both feature polycarbonate top housing materials, which create a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile in comparison to other plastics. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. However, the Dustproof Black's top housing is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Therefore, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, brighter sound or a deeper, more subdued one.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches feature nylon, which is a classic housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their shared use of nylon.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is clear that the choice of material plays a significant role in determining the end result. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users should consider the combination of both top and bottom housing materials when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Dareu Sky POM to find the sound profile that best suits their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in weight between the two. The Dustproof Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Dustproof Black offers a more robust typing feel due to its heavier forces, while the Sky POM caters to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Dustproof Black offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sky POM provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
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 Dustproof Black 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
In terms of sound, the Dustproof Black switch is known for having a neutral sound profile with no specific descriptors mentioned. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is noted for its low-pitched sound, which typically offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The clacky sound of the Sky POM switch adds a unique auditory experience to typing, while the Dustproof Black switch may provide a quieter typing experience. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Black switch does not have any specific descriptors provided. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as having a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. These descriptors indicate that the Sky POM switch offers a smooth and fluid typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The use of POM material in the Sky POM switch contributes to its exceptional smoothness and enhances the overall typing sensation, providing a comfortable and seamless typing experience.
Overall, the Dustproof Black and Dareu Sky POM switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Black switch may provide a neutral sound profile and an unknown typing feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out with its low-pitched clacky sound and buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches have their unique characteristics that can cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and are looking for a switch known for its durability, the Dustproof Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smoother typing experience with a lower actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch crafted from POM material could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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