Kailh Sage vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, to the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch, distinct differences become apparent. The Sage switch is widely recognized for its invigorating and sharp typing experience, featuring a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM sets itself apart with its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, all crafted from premium POM material at an accessible price point. While the Sage offers a crunchy feel, the Sky POM provides a buttery and creamy 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
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Sage and Dareu Sky POM both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Sage uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This is ideal for users looking for a switch that offers a more distinct typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, giving typists a satisfying tactile feedback with every key press. The similarities in bottom housing material between the Kailh Sage and Dareu Sky POM mean that users can expect comparable sound and feel characteristics when typing on these switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Sage and Dareu Sky POM will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Sage's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and more resonant sound, the Sky POM's POM top housing provides a unique and pleasing deeper sound. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, ensuring that users can enjoy a rich and tactile sound profile regardless of their choice. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a sharper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams. The actuation force for the Sage is not specified, but it is clear that the Sage is heavier when bottomed out than the Sky POM. This means that the Sage provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Sky POM offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences, with the Sage being on the heavier side and the Sky POM on the lighter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see that the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall in the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Sage offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. If you prefer a more abrupt key press, the Sage may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly deeper key press, the Sky POM with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance, so it comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, which adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch produces a low-pitched sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during keystrokes. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Sage providing a more lively and crisp sound, while the Sky POM offers a smoother and more subdued sound characteristic.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as invigorating and sharp, with a moderate to firm actuation force and strong tactile feedback. This creates a snappy and reactive typing experience that can be immersive for users seeking a more pronounced typing sensation. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The Sky POM switch provides a uniform and luxurious typing sensation that prioritizes smoothness over tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a silky typing experience.
Overall, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch and Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, both switches excel in their respective qualities. The Sage switch provides a heavy and crisp clickiness with sharp tactile feedback, ideal for users who enjoy a more lively and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch offers a premium POM material construction with a smooth and buttery keystroke experience that prioritizes smoothness and uniformity. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy tactile feel with sharp clickiness and invigorating feedback, the Sage switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound and gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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