HMX Perky vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Perky and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics and appealing performance. The HMX Perky is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, which provides a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience with a shorter travel distance that lends itself to a more condensed feel. This switch is often described as clacky, polished, and silky, making it a favorite for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the excessive force. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, crafted entirely from POM material, showcases a buttery smoothness alongside a low-pitched clack that evokes a creamy, enjoyable sound with each keystroke. Available at an accessible price point, it's an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking high-quality performance. Both switches offer compelling reasons for selection, depending on personal preference in sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Perky and the Dareu Sky POM keyboards utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their overall sound profiles. The Perky employs nylon for its top housing, celebrated for its classic acoustic properties. This softer plastic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound waves and minimizing resonance. As a result, Typing on the Perky produces a duller and rounder sound, enhancing a tactile and muted experience. In contrast, the Sky POM features a POM top housing, which also aims for a pleasing sound but offers a unique tonal character. The sound profile is described as pleasant and uniquely deep, yet retains a relatively muted quality, indicating that although both keyboards aim for rich acoustic experiences, they derive from different material properties.
The bottom housing of both models, however, aligns closely, with both the HMX Perky and Dareu Sky opting for nylon. This similarity fosters a deeper and more resonant sound profile when key presses bottom out. Nylon's soft construction allows it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a very similar tactile sensation and acoustic response when typing on both switches. Consequently, while the top housings distinctively influence the sound and feel when keys are released, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings ensures that both keyboards offer a comparable bottoming-out experience to their users.
In essence, despite the disparity in top housing materials, both the HMX Perky and Dareu Sky POM keyboards maintain a shared acoustic foundation due to their nylon bottom housings. This coalescence of a classic switch material leads to an overlapped sound experience that combines the qualities of each housing. Therefore, while the Perky may produce a slightly rounder acoustic profile due to its nylon top, and the Sky POM introduces a unique tone with its POM top, the shared nylon base ensures that users can still expect a familiar, rich, and tactile engagement across both models when typing. This results in a nuanced yet comparative overall typing experience, reinforcing the idea that housing materials play a crucial role in defining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Perky features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a relatively light option for users seeking prolonged comfort during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sky POM switch requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. While both switches provide a similar actuation experience favoring lighter touch, the unknown bottom out force of the Sky POM makes it difficult to fully understand its resistance when pressed down completely. This aspect may influence the overall typing feel; however, given that the Perky has a confirmed bottom out force, it can be said that it gives a more concrete response upon bottoming out. Thus, for those who prefer a lighter, more forgiving feel, the Sky POM may suffice, but the Perky might still be more suitable for users who favor defined tactile feedback without heavy resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Perky measuring 3.4 mm, while the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Perky, being the shorter option, offers a reduced travel distance that can provide quicker response times, making it a more appealing choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency in their key presses. In contrast, the Sky POM, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced feeling of depth, which some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, if you enjoy a more responsive switch, the HMX Perky would be the better option, while those who appreciate a heartier feel might gravitate towards the Dareu Sky POM.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, one notices distinct characteristics that cater to different auditory preferences. The Perky switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This results in a typing experience that can be described as crisp and bright, providing an engaging and percussive quality that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch delivers a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy, offering a subdued, yet satisfying auditory experience. This difference indicates that if you prefer a sharper sound profile, the Perky might be your better match, whereas the Sky POM appeals to those who enjoy a softer and less intrusive acoustic feedback.
Turning to the feel of these switches presents another set of comparisons. The HMX Perky is characterized by its polished and silky textures, offering a refined and smooth typing sensation. This is due to the materials used and potentially factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances the overall experience of key presses. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is lauded for its buttery and creamy feel, providing an exceptionally fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and seamless. While both switches exhibit a silky quality, the added descriptors of buttery and creamy for the Sky POM suggest a more luxurious typing experience that glides through each keystroke with less resistance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Perky and Dareu Sky POM linear switches showcase unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Perky delivers a clacky and engaging auditory experience paired with a polished and silky touch, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate responsive feedback while typing. The Sky POM, on the other hand, stands out with its low-pitched sound and buttery, creamy feel, ideal for users who desire a smoother and more muted typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, whether you lean towards a more pronounced auditory feedback or a subtle and effortless keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Perky linear switches and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a softer, slightly clacky sound, the HMX Perky switches might be your go-to. Their polished and silky feel offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or for those who enjoy a more condensed key travel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that delivers a buttery and creamy experience, coupled with a low-pitched sound that is more mellow, the Dareu Sky POM switches could be more suitable. Their unique construction from POM material contributes to an exceptional smoothness that enhances your overall typing experience, making them a great choice for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or if you're more focused on smoothness and overall ease of use; this will guide you in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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