Outemu Milk Tea vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky POM present two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Outemu Milk Tea is recognized for its unique tactile feedback that provides satisfying resistance for those who appreciate a more traditional typing feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced sensation with every keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM, made entirely from premium POM material, is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched clack, appealing to individuals who prefer a quieter, linear switch with a lighter actuation force. While the Milk Tea excels in tactile response, providing an engaging touch for typists, the Sky POM stands out for its silky experience that enhances speed and fluidity during gameplay. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky POM present a compelling contrast in terms of their upper housings. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing is made from a newer material that boasts a bright sound signature, which results in resonant clacks when typing. This distinctive auditory feedback can create a lively typing experience that many users enjoy. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. While both switches offer unique sounds, the Milk Tea’s housing is crafted to excite with sharp, clear tones, whereas the POM top aims for a smoother, understated tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a quieter environment.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Milk Tea and Sky POM switches utilize nylon, a classic choice in switch design. This commonality leads to a similar deep and full sound profile across both switches when it comes to the bottom-out feel. The nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a rounded and muted typing experience. Hence, while the top housings vary significantly in their sound characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches will deliver that sought-after dampened sound and feel during use. This detail fosters a balance that complements the unique attributes of each switch's top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with a similar bottom housing profile indicates that while the overall sound experience will differ, particularly during key release, both switches can achieve satisfying results. Users who appreciate the bright clack of the Milk Tea will experience a dynamic contrast when typing, while those opting for the Dareu Sky POM will enjoy a smooth and subtle auditory experience. The interplay between each switch's housing materials embodies the creativity in mechanical keyboard design, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their individual preferences while maintaining the comforting familiarity offered by fiberglass nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see some interesting differences in their actuation forces. The Milk Tea switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 40 grams needed for the Sky POM switch. This makes the Air POM a lighter option, likely appealing to those who favor a more comfortable typing experience during lengthy sessions. However, both switches do not have a defined bottom out force available, which means we cannot compare this particular aspect directly. Since the Milk Tea is heavier in terms of actuation force, it may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback, while the Sky POM would be better suited for users who enjoy a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Milk Tea switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky POM switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Milk Tea switch the option for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper feel. Conversely, the Sky POM's shorter distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as a reduced travel distance can facilitate faster actuation. If you're looking for a snappier typing experience, the Sky POM would be preferable, whereas the Milk Tea would be more suited to users who enjoy a richer tactile sensation. Overall, the Milk Tea switch offers a more substantial press, while the Sky POM provides a more responsive feel.
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 Milk Tea 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
The sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has not been specifically defined, leaving it open to interpretation. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for its low-pitched tone, which delivers a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This sound can create a more subdued atmosphere while typing compared to higher-pitched switches, making it an appealing option for users who prefer a quieter yet noticeable keystroke. However, it's important to note that sound can vary widely based on factors like the keyboard build and keycap material, so users may still experience a range of sound characteristics regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have any particular attributes noted, making it difficult to pin down its tactile experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This means that users can expect a fluid typing experience that feels effortless, with each keystroke gliding seamlessly into the next. The combination of these qualities contributes to a satisfying and enjoyable typing sensation, placing the Sky POM in a favorable position for those prioritizing feel in their mechanical keyboard choice.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remains somewhat of an unknown in terms of sound and feel, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a distinct low-pitched sound profile along with a highly smooth typing experience. For users seeking a clear auditory characteristic paired with a premium tactile sensation without the premium price tag, the Sky POM switch stands out as a strong contender. Without specific insights on the Milk Tea's performance, making a decision may require direct experience or further research, though both switches may ultimately excel in their intended purposes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a tactile feedback that gives you a clear indication of actuation, then the Milk Tea switch may be a more suitable option for enhancing your typing precision and overall engagement with your keyboard. However, if you are looking for a smoother, more fluid typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Dareu Sky POM is an excellent choice. Its buttery, creamy, and silky feel coupled with a low-pitched sound offers a premium typing sensation that can significantly enhance your productivity and enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you're seeking tactile feedback or a more seamless linear experience; both switches have their unique strengths tailored to different preferences.