Huano Sakura vs. Dareu Sky POM

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Huano Sakura and the Dareu Sky POM, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Sakura switch is renowned for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions, offering tactile satisfaction without noise distractions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switches, constructed entirely from POM material, provide a unique combination of buttery smoothness and a clacky sound profile, delivering an enjoyable typing experience at an accessible price point. While the Sakura is favored for its lightweight feedback that supports consistent key presses, the Sky POM appeals to those who appreciate a creamy feel with a gentle actuation force. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences, whether you prioritize a quieter, more subtle experience or seek a textured, enjoyable sound with every stroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Sakura Linear

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Dareu Sky POM switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Sakura uses a POK material, which is characterized by its low coefficient of friction and exceptional strength. This material not only ensures smooth operation due to its coefficient of friction of 0.04 but also contributes to a highly durable and shock-resistant structure, offering resilience that is significantly higher than POM. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM employs a POM material for its top housing, which, while still providing a pleasant switching experience, has a different sound quality profile due to its unique properties. The POM top is recognized for creating a deeper, more muted sound, which contrasts with the clacky tonal quality of the Sakura's POK, highlighting that while both materials aim for smoothness, they achieve it through different auditory results.

Moving to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice in keyboard design. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile in both the Huano Sakura and Dareu Sky POM. Despite their differing top housing materials, the similarity in bottom housing results in an overlapping auditory experience when typing. This similarity can lead to a harmonious blending of characteristics, where the bottom housing's ability to absorb sound enhances the overall timbre in a way that masks some of the differences found in the top housings. Therefore, keyboard enthusiasts can expect a rounder sound profile due to nylon's properties, while variances introduced by the top material still define each switch's unique character.

Overall, the distinctions between the Huano Sakura and Dareu Sky POM switches illustrate how each material influences not only the feel but also the sound of the switch itself. With the POK and POM top housings contributing to their individual sound profiles, and the consistent use of nylon at the bottom providing a fuller auditory experience, users can appreciate the strengths of each design. The interplay between the materials suggests that while the top housings diverge in characteristics—one emphasizing smoothness and durability and the other focusing on muted sound—the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience. Thus, despite their differences, the cohesive qualities of the bottom materials allow for a familiar auditory profile, showcasing the complexity and nuance present in mechanical switch construction.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation forces, though the exact bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sky POM switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, suggesting that it provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. However, since the bottom out force for the Sky POM is not available, we cannot draw a complete comparison in that regard. Overall, the Huano Sakura can be considered the lighter option, while the Dareu Sky POM is the heavier choice among the two.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Sakura offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users who favor a more responsive experience may prefer the Sakura switch due to its shorter distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses, making it particularly appealing to gamers. On the other hand, the Sky POM, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial keypress. Thus, if one prefers rapid response times, the Huano Sakura is the better option, while those who find shorter distances too abrupt might gravitate towards the Dareu Sky POM for its more pronounced depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch presents a medium acoustic profile, making it a balanced choice for those concerned with noise levels during extended typing sessions. This moderate sound level allows it to fit comfortably in various environments without being intrusive. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is noted for its low-pitched, clacky sound, which provides a distinct auditory feedback that some users might find satisfying. This bass-heavy tone contributes to a more engaging typing experience but may not suit environments where quieter operation is preferred. Therefore, if you value a more subdued auditory feedback, the Sakura is likely the better option, while the Sky POM caters to those who appreciate a pronounced sound signature.

In terms of feel, the Sakura switches are renowned for their feather-light touch, promoting an effortless typing experience that is ideal for longer sessions without causing fatigue. The light actuation force ensures minimal resistance, allowing the fingers to glide across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a uniquely smooth and buttery experience characterized by its “buttery,” “creamy,” and “silky” sensations. The fluid keystroke provided by this switch is enhanced by the use of POM material, which is known for its exceptional smoothness. As a result, the Sky POM may provide a more luxurious and seamless feel compared to the Sakura, catering to users who prioritize a tactile and refined experience.

In conclusion, while both the Huano Sakura and Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Sakura emphasizes a moderate sound profile and a light touch for extended typing comfort, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is beneficial. Conversely, the Sky POM excels in providing a rich auditory feedback and an exceptionally smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. Depending on your priorities—be it sound isolation or a tactile delight—each switch presents unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, your choice will hinge on your specific preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. If you lean towards a lighter touch and anticipate long typing sessions, the Sakura's feather-light actuation force of 45 grams combined with its medium acoustics will likely serve you well, providing a balanced experience that’s gentle on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and luxurious typing feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch, renowned for its buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics, is an excellent option. Its low-pitched, clacky sound gives a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, if you prefer a more tactile yet lightweight switch suited for prolonged use, you'd be inclined to choose the Sakura; conversely, if you want a switch that delivers premium smoothness and a rich sound profile at an accessible price point, the Sky POM will be your best bet. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more