Dareu Sky POM vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are two popular options to consider. The Dareu Sky POM switch is praised for its premium quality at a budget-friendly price, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its short travel distance, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Both switches have their unique appeal, with the Dareu Sky POM being described as 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'creamy', and 'silky', while the Gateron Smoothie Silver's categorization is not provided. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature POM top housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile known for its deep and muted tones. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar auditory experience. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Sky POM boasts a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to the deep and muted sound profile, albeit with a slightly different texture.
The use of different bottom housing materials in the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Smoothie Silver impacts the overall feel and sound of the switches. With the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a more rounded and duller sound when typing, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a unique typing experience that emphasizes the depth of the switch's sound profile. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing, while still contributing to the overall deep and muted sound profile, may offer a slightly different tactile sensation when typing due to the material's properties.
In terms of key press and release experiences, the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Smoothie Silver demonstrate how top and bottom housing materials can impact typing sensations differently. The bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with the Sky POM's nylon bottom providing a deeper and fuller sensation compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the unique sound profile created by the POM material in both switches. Overall, while both switches offer a similar auditory experience due to their shared POM top housing, the different bottom housing materials contribute to distinct typing sensations that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role. The Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is unclear which one requires more force to fully press down. The lighter actuation force of the Sky POM may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver could provide a more substantial typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sky POM may provide a more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for its low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, which typically implies a more solid and deep tone. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This smoothness allows for effortless typing with minimal resistance, providing a comfortable and uniform feel across all keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its short travel distance, which enables lightning-fast actuation and quick response times. Although the specific feel of the Smoothie Silver switch is not described in the provided information, it is likely to offer a unique tactile experience that complements its fast actuation speed.
Overall, both the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches bring distinct qualities to the table that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Sky POM switch excels in providing a low-pitched sound and a buttery typing feel, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation speed. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can experiment with these switches to determine which one aligns best with their desired typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as keycap material, keyboard build, and personal typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one best fits your needs.
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