KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Dareu Sky POM are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality made entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force at an accessible price point. While the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Sky POM is classified as buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Dareu Sky POM, one noticeable difference is the top housing material used. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Sky POM uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for those seeking a clearer and resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM provides a more subdued and satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Sea Salt Lemon and the Sky POM feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is especially pleasing to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the overall sound and feel may vary slightly due to other factors such as stem, spring, and plate material.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Dareu Sky POM ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Sea Salt Lemon's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Sky POM's POM top housing and nylon bottom housing provide a deeper and more muted typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for different typing styles and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that the Sea Salt Lemon is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. On the other hand, the Sky POM is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. When looking at weight, the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier Sea Salt Lemon may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper press feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Sky POM offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness. Whether you choose the Sea Salt Lemon or the Sky POM, both switches offer different travel distances that can cater to a variety of typing preferences.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a mellow and moderate sound profile suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch also presents a low-pitched sound, contributing to a bass-heavy and soothing typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, with the Sea Salt Lemon leaning towards a more neutral tone while the Sky POM provides a slightly clackier sound due to its POM material construction. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience from either switch, tailored to their personal preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch delivers a mild typing sensation, offering a gentle and approachable experience to users. The progressive spring and dry-lube design of the Sea Salt Lemon ensure a smooth and consistent keystroke, suitable for a wide range of typing styles. In comparison, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by its buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The use of POM material in the Sky POM switch contributes to its smooth and uniform typing sensation, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Sea Salt Lemon leaning towards a more mild approach while the Sky POM excels in providing a luxurious and smooth typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Lemon excels in its neutral and mild sound profile, coupled with a gentle typing sensation, the Sky POM stands out with its clackier sound and buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more neutral sound with a mild feel or a slightly clackier sound with a smooth and luxurious typing experience, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, regardless of your choice, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, tailored to your individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following key points. If you prioritize a moderate bottom out force of 53 grams, a smooth typing experience with a buttery feel, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you value the innovative design of the Sea Salt Lemon or the premium quality of the Sky POM, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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