KTT Pine vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, both offer unique features that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard market. The KTT Pine switch is renowned for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and effortless typing experience. Its polished, factory-lubed finish minimizes friction for a smooth key travel, providing a 'bassy' and 'creamy' typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. Known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, this switch provides a 'buttery' and 'creamy' feel with a 'silky' touch. Ultimately, both switches boast impressive characteristics, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you determine which switch best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sky POM features POM for its top housing, delivering a deeper and more muted sound profile. The use of POM creates a distinct auditory experience that differs from the Pine's polycarbonate housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing allows for a translucent finish, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. The clear housing of the Pine switch is a distinguishing feature, making it visually appealing for those looking to customize their setup. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM's nylon bottom housing offers a classic look and feel. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This creates a different tactile experience when typing on the Sky POM switch compared to the Pine.
While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Pine and the Dareu Sky POM differ in material, they both impact the overall sound profile of the switch. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM creates a distinct typing experience. Understanding how each housing material influences the sound and feel of a switch is crucial for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard with the desired tactile and auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that the Pine has a slightly heavier actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine also requires a higher force at 58 grams, while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. The Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch may appeal to users who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming. In this case, the Pine switch is the heavier option, while the Sky POM is the lighter option. Both switches offer different typing experiences and users can choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sky POM has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Pine. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Sky POM, while those who prefer a more robust and deeper press may opt for the Pine. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a familiar typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses with a lower frequency range. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch also presents a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches will deliver a satisfying and pleasant auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the KTT Pine and Dareu Sky POM linear switches are described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, allowing for easy and comfortable typing sessions. Additionally, the Dareu Sky POM switch also adds a silky feel to the typing experience, further enhancing the overall smoothness of the keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer a premium typing experience with their buttery and smooth feel. While the Pine switch leans towards a bassy sound profile, the Sky POM switch provides a similar low-pitched tone. Overall, whether you choose the Pine or Sky POM switches, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with minimal friction, gentle actuation force, and a satisfying sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force of 58 grams and enjoy a bassy, low-pitched sound profile with a buttery, creamy typing experience, the KTT Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, a low-pitched sound, and a buttery, creamy, silky typing feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
