Outemu Phoenix vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Phoenix and the Dareu Sky POM offer distinct experiences for users looking for specific characteristics in their switches. The Phoenix is a clicky switch that stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a unique tactile feel and sound profile that is both crunchy and polished. On the other hand, the Sky POM is a linear switch made entirely of POM material, known for its clacky sound, smoothness, and gentle actuation force, offering a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky typing experience. While the Phoenix excels in providing a satisfying click and tactile feedback, the Sky POM focuses on delivering a smooth and quiet 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Phoenix's housing materials, polycarbonate for the top and bottom, offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This creates a clear and resonant sound, especially noticeable when using RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in sound quality can provide users with a variety of options depending on their preferences for typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches have unique characteristics due to their housing materials. The Phoenix's polycarbonate top and bottom housing provide a clear and transparent look, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the Sky POM's POM top and nylon bottom housing offer a more subdued and classic appearance. The use of different housing materials not only affects the sound profile but also adds to the overall design and feel of the switches, catering to different user preferences.
While the Phoenix and Sky POM switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom, both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly influence the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
Weight
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while its actuation force is not specified. Meanwhile, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter than the Phoenix, but its bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer lighter switches might lean towards the Sky POM for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Phoenix for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force ultimately determine the typing feel and experience with each switch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Dareu Sky POM linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Phoenix offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sky POM provides a deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Phoenix being the shorter option and the Sky POM being the longer option.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is renowned for its crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This unique sound profile is achieved through its under-skirt click mechanism, offering a crystalline and sparkling typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Sky POM's clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force set it apart in the linear switch category.
When it comes to feel, the Phoenix switch is praised for its polished sensation, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. With its smooth and fluid typing sensation, the Sky POM switch provides a satisfying typing feel for enthusiasts looking for a premium linear switch option.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Phoenix excels in providing a unique and crunchy sound profile paired with a polished typing sensation, the Sky POM stands out for its low-pitched clacky sound and buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique clicky feel with a medium bottom out force and a sparkling sound profile, the Phoenix switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, clacky sound with no defined bottom out force and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing sensation, the Sky POM switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches.
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