Kailh Plum vs. Dareu Sky POM

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, stands out for its hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches in the market. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch, is known for its premium quality crafted entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force at an accessible price point. While the Plum switch provides a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, the Sky POM switch delivers a buttery and low-pitched 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

Kailh Plum Tactile

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$6.25 per 10

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Dareu Sky POM, both switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Plum's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM creates a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Plum emphasizing clarity and resonance while the Sky POM brings a more subdued and mellow sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the Plum stands out with its polycarbonate top housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM top housing may not offer the same translucency for RGB lighting but provides a different, more subdued aesthetic appeal. Both switches cater to different preferences when it comes to looks, with the Plum offering a clear, modern look and the Sky POM bringing a more understated and classic design. Despite their visual differences, both switches offer a similar experience when it comes to typing, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deep and full sound profile.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. While the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows both the Plum and Sky POM switches to offer a balanced typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisp sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches provide a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.

Weight

The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Plum is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Sky POM. When it comes to actuation force, the Sky POM requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Plum. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Plum for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. The Plum offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a quicker key press activation. On the other hand, the Sky POM provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may offer a more satisfying key press sensation for those who prefer more depth. Overall, both switches offer relatively short travel distances, and the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key press feel and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Plum switch offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile that is suitable for various environments and typing styles. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a low-pitched sound that has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum switch provides a mild and stepped typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch offers a gentle typing sensation with a unique tactile feel that sets it apart from other tactile switches. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience that is smooth, fluid, and effortless. This switch provides a seamless typing sensation that allows fingers to glide across the keys with ease.

Overall, the Kailh Plum and Dareu Sky POM switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile with a mild and stepped tactile feel. In contrast, the Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, typing style, and the desired sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and weightiness. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique, moderate tactile bump, the Plum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a smooth, clacky sound profile, the Sky POM switch crafted from POM material might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are looking to achieve. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more