TTC Silent Red vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features and characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Silent Red is a linear switch widely known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, making it ideal for those in need of a quiet switch for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the Sky POM, also a linear switch, stands out for its premium quality crafted from POM material, providing a clacky sound and exceptional smoothness at an accessible price point. While the Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel for comfort, the Sky POM boasts a gentle actuation force and low-pitched, creamy sound. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Sky POM switches both offer unique sound profiles but in opposite ends of the spectrum. The Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound characteristics allows for users to choose based on their preference for a brighter or more subdued sound when typing.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The difference in top housing materials between the two switches will likely have a more significant impact on the overall sound profile and typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Silent Red and Sky POM switches will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Silent Red with its polycarbonate top housing, while individuals looking for a deeper and more muted sound may prefer the Sky POM with its POM top housing. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound, allowing users to focus on the top housing material as the main differentiator between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Red is heavier in both aspects. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams with an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Silent Red requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Sky POM. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky POM would be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Silent Red would be more suitable. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience one desires, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Dareu Sky POM linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the 0.1 mm may seem like a minor difference, it can impact the typing or gaming experience for some users. The Silent Red may provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers wanting quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a slightly deeper press which may feel more satisfying for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, so the decision between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to other switches. While the Silent Red focuses on reducing noise, the Sky POM provides a different auditory experience with its unique sound profile. The sound of each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Sky POM switches are described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid typing experience. The Silent Red switch offers a buttery feel with a mild and polished finish, providing a seamless and refined typing sensation. Similarly, the Sky POM switch also provides a buttery feel with a creamy and silky texture, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reduced friction. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and pleasant typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Silent Red excels in providing a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent typing feel with a padded bottom-out experience, the Sky POM stands out for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a silent and smooth typing experience perfect for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be a great choice with its medium-heavy bottom out force and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and exceptional smoothness at an accessible price point, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch crafted from POM material would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience (Silent Red) or a clacky and smooth typing experience (Sky POM). Both switches offer their unique characteristics to cater to different preferences, so consider your environment and typing preferences before making a decision.
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