Dareu Sky POM vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, both the Dareu Sky POM and the Dareu Sky V3 stand out as compelling options for users seeking a linear experience. The Dareu Sky POM, crafted entirely from POM material, excels in delivering a buttery-smooth typing feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback while typing. Its gentle actuation force caters to users who prefer a softer touch, enhancing the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 boasts a neutral sound signature with a medium-light actuation force, appealing to a broader audience looking for versatility across various typing tasks. Renowned for its balanced performance, the Sky V3 is a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike, providing a dependable experience without overwhelming noise. Both switches offer unique advantages, from the Sky POM’s playful auditory feedback to the Sky V3’s understated yet effective design. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and Dareu Sky V3 feature distinct top housings that contribute uniquely to their respective sound profiles. The Sky POM's top housing is constructed from POM, a material that fosters a deeper, more muted sound signature. This acoustic characteristic is characterized by a pleasing yet understated tone, making it ideal for users who prefer a subtle auditory experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. As such, the differing top housing materials yield distinctly different sound experiences, giving users a clear choice based on their desired auditory preferences.
While the top housings of the Dareu Sky POM and Sky V3 differ, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will provide a similar foundation, producing a warm and rounded sound due to its softer plastic attributes. Consequently, users can expect a degree of auditory consistency between these two models, as the bottom-out sound and feel remain largely uniform thanks to the identical nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the primary contrast between the Dareu Sky POM and Sky V3 lies in their top housing materials, leading to varied sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent auditory experience across both models. Users who prefer the muted, deeper tones of the Sky POM will find its characteristics enhanced by the POM top, while those seeking clarity and resonance will be better suited to the Sky V3 with its polycarbonate top. However, regardless of the choice, both switches can deliver satisfying and immersive typing experiences, thanks to the nylon bottom housing that unifies their sound qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, both switches share an actuation force of 40 grams. This means users will experience the same level of resistance when triggering a keystroke with either switch, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom-out force for both switches remains unknown, so we cannot assess how firmly they feel when pressed all the way down. Without this information, it’s unclear if one switch provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the other. In summary, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the lack of data on bottom-out forces means that users looking for a heavier push feel may need to test them personally to determine their overall experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Sky V3 may provide a more substantial key feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper actuation when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sky POM, with its shorter travel distance, could be more favorable for gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate activation. If you're looking for a balance between efficiency and tactile feedback, both switches can offer satisfying results, but the Sky POM will feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, while the Sky V3 caters to those who appreciate a robust typing experience.
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 Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the Dareu Sky POM and Sky V3 linear switches, the differences are notable. The Sky POM features a low-pitched sound that is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for those who prefer a clackier auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Sky V3 has a neutral sound signature that provides a moderate actuation force and is relatively subdued, offering a more gentle auditory experience. This makes the Sky V3 versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, where a quieter typing experience may be preferred. The Sky POM's clacky sound could stand out more, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during their typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, delivering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This provides a satisfying tactile sensation that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment. Conversely, the Sky V3 offers a milder feel, presenting a gentle typing experience that is approachable for users at any skill level. While it may lack the buttery richness of the Sky POM, its mild characteristics still ensure that typing is comfortable and pleasant, catering to those who appreciate a balanced yet less pronounced keystroke response.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky POM and Sky V3 switches share the linear design paradigm, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Sky POM excels in providing a unique clacky sound and a smooth, luxurious typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more expressive feedback. Meanwhile, the Sky V3 offers a neutral sound and a mild feel, making it a great choice for users seeking a more understated and versatile option. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding auditory feedback and typing sensation; both options present their own strengths, ensuring each can satisfy different needs effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch should largely depend on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched clacky sound that adds some character to your keystrokes, the Sky POM is likely the better fit for you. Its unique POM composition provides an enjoyable and comforting typing sensation, making it an appealing option for casual typing or gaming sessions where feel and sound contribute to your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature and a well-rounded typing feel that can cater to both work and play, the Dareu Sky V3 would be the ideal choice. Its medium-light weight facilitates a comfortable and precise typing experience while its subdued sound profile makes it suitable for quieter settings, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, considering the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard and the sensations that bring you the most joy while typing will help you make the right decision for your needs.
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