Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky POM present two compelling yet distinct options. The Rice Pudding switch stands out for its smooth operation and deep sound profile, offering a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Its full compatibility with Wooting's advanced keyboards makes it a top choice for enthusiasts who value performance and versatility in their gaming or typing setups. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch, made entirely from POM material, delivers an exceptional typing experience characterized by its clacky sound, buttery smoothness, and gentle actuation force—all at an accessible price point. The Sky POM's qualities contribute to its creamy and silky feel, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile and responsive experience. Each switch brings unique benefits depending on user preferences and typing styles; 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky POM, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which aids in creating a clearer, more resonant sound, making it especially suited for setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing that provides a deeper and more muted sound. While both housings serve to enhance the auditory experience of the switches, the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top produces a distinctly higher-pitched sound compared to the Sky POM’s lower, more subdued tones.
On the other hand, both switches share a fundamental similarity in their bottom housing material: nylon. Both the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Sky POM employ nylon for their bottom housings, which is well-regarded for its ability to create a fuller and deeper sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, leading to a mellower and more rounded auditory experience. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences observed in the top housings, the impact of the nylon bottom contributes a well-rounded acoustic foundation to both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience and providing familiarity for users embracing these two distinct options.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different top and bottom materials present a unique auditory and tactile experience specific to each switch. The qualities of the top housing affect the sound during key release, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out feel and sound. This means that while the Everglide Rice Pudding may offer a more crisp feedback during release, the Dareu Sky POM provides a more muted sound, with both utilizing nylon's properties to create a mutually satisfying depth in sound during key presses. Users will appreciate the different auditory signatures derived from the unique combinations of these materials, allowing for personalized preferences in keyboard acoustic experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, notable differences arise, particularly in their actuation forces. The Rice Pudding switch boasts a light actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it allows for ease of use over time. In contrast, the Sky POM switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams, which gives it a marginally heavier feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Sky POM switch remains unknown, while the Rice Pudding's bottom out force is measured at 48 grams, indicating a clear differentiation in how each switch might feel when fully pressed down. Ultimately, while the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option overall, the Sky POM switch may suit users looking for a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. If users favor a balance of lightness with an actionable feel, the Rice Pudding could further contribute to a similar result when considering user comfort and accessibility during long usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find that the Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Everglide Rice Pudding the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel under their fingers. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM, with its longer travel distance, may resonate more with users who appreciate a deeper actuation and a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Rice Pudding would be the better choice, while those who value key depth and a traditional feel might lean towards the Sky POM.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The Everglide Rice Pudding switch boasts a deep and satisfying sound signature, providing a balanced auditory experience that enhances the overall feel of typing. This switch delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that resonates well when each key is pressed, making it a pleasure for those who appreciate a more profound acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch produces a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by its low-pitched tones which lend a bass-heavy and mellow quality to each keystroke. While both switches have their unique auditory qualities, the choice between them will depend on whether one leans more toward a robust sound or the clacking punchiness offered by the Sky POM.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding is known for its smooth operation, giving users a satisfying typing experience that balances precision with comfort. The key travel feels purposeful without any jarring interruptions, allowing for consistent performance throughout prolonged use. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM excels in providing a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. This exceptional smoothness is likely due to the POM material, which minimizes resistance and enhances the ease of movement across the keys. For typists who enjoy a seamless flow while typing, the Sky POM offers a spectacular tactile sensation that sets it apart.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Dareu Sky POM switches present compelling characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding excels in delivering a deep, resonant sound with a smooth feel, ideal for those who value a rounded typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sky POM’s clacky acoustics, combined with its extremely smooth and effortless keystroke, create a dynamic typing sensation. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, but the choice will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, whether they lean towards the profundity of the Rice Pudding or the lively character of the Sky POM.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch largely depends on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and your intended use case. If you favor a lighter actuation with a satisfying and deep sound, the Rice Pudding switch is your best bet, especially if you appreciate the versatility it offers with compatibility for Wooting keyboards. This makes it particularly appealing if you're into gaming or hybrid use, where a smooth and precise keystroke can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you seek an ultra-smooth, buttery feel with a clackier sound profile for a more traditional typing experience, you might prefer the Sky POM switch. Its notable creamy and silky characteristics provide a uniquely effortless sensation that many users find enjoyable, especially for long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for gaming or typing—and the tactile experience that brings you the most satisfaction.
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