Outemu Purple vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and Dareu Sky POM offer unique experiences for users. The Purple switch is known for None and falls under the tactile category, providing a satisfying bump feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its use of POM material, offering a premium feel at an affordable price point. This linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, making it a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky choice for users. Each switch has its advantages, but 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
50g
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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Dareu Sky POM, it can be seen that both switches have a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing in the Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the POM top housing in the Sky POM produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a clear, resonant sound, the Purple with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more subdued sound, the Sky POM with its POM top housing would be more ideal.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Outemu Purple and the Dareu Sky POM feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a pleasing sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities of the different housing materials in a switch are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the combination of polycarbonate top housing in the Purple and nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a balanced sound profile that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted sound, both the Outemu Purple and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique typing experiences that can cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the information is unavailable for both switches. The actuation force of the Outemu Purple switch indicates that it requires a slightly heavier push to register a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple 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 switches offer a good balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, with the Purple being more on the traditional side. Gamers may lean towards the Sky POM for its slightly faster response time, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Purple. In general, the travel distance of a switch can impact how it feels to type or game, so it's essential to consider your preferences when choosing between these two options.
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 Purple 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 Purple switch is known for its quiet operation with a lack of distinctive characteristics. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is recognized for its low-pitched and clacky sound, providing a unique auditory experience that can be attributed to its POM material construction. This difference in sound profile between the switches can add another layer of customization to your typing setup, depending on your preference for sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a specific descriptor, making it difficult to pinpoint its tactile qualities. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that is characterized by minimal resistance and uniformity. The use of POM material in the construction of the Sky POM switch contributes to its exceptional smoothness, providing a satisfying typing sensation that can enhance overall typing comfort and speed.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch remains relatively neutral in sound and feel characteristics, the Sky POM switch stands out for its clacky sound and buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound profile and tactile feel, both switches can provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a gentle actuation force, smooth keystrokes, and a clacky sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch made from POM material would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a specific sound profile or feel, such as a low-pitched sound or a silky typing experience, the Outemu Purple switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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