Dareu Sky POM vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM switch is praised for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a linear switch that is buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch, appealing to users who enjoy a switch that is buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Each switch has its own strengths and advantages, but determining the best fit ultimately comes down to personal preference - 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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM top housings that create a pleasing and unique sound profile. The sound produced by POM is described as being on the deeper side and relatively muted. However, the Sky POM also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie sticks with a POM bottom housing, emphasizing similar deep and muted sound qualities as the top housing.
While both the Sky POM and the Smoothie share the same POM top housing material, they differ in their choice of bottom housing. The Sky POM's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing maintains the deep and muted sound characteristics of the switch. Despite these differences, the bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct experiences in terms of their housing materials. The Sky POM's combination of POM top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that is deep, muted, and full. On the other hand, the Smoothie opts for POM top and bottom housings to deliver a consistent deep and muted sound experience. Despite the variations in housing materials, both switches aim to provide users with an enjoyable typing experience, showcasing the importance of top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the information is unavailable for both switches. This means that it is difficult to determine which one requires more force to press all the way down. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of these switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, others may favor a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Sky POM. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed due to their slightly different travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched clacky sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be quite satisfying to some users. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch presents a thocky sound signature that produces a deep and rich tone, with a more subdued and dampened quality compared to most switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Smoothie switches are described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches ensure a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The use of premium POM material in both switches contributes to their exceptional smoothness and enhances the overall typing feel. Users can expect a luxurious typing experience with either switch, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize smooth and comfortable key presses.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Smoothie switches offer slightly different sound profiles, they share similar qualities in terms of feel, providing a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Whether you prefer the low-pitched clack of the Sky POM or the thocky sound of the Smoothie, both switches deliver premium quality at an accessible price point. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and the desired typing feel, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prefer a switch with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Mentioned in this article
