Dareu Sky POM vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options on the market are the Dareu Sky POM and the SP-Star Duck. The Dareu Sky POM is a linear switch that stands out for its premium quality at an affordable price point, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is a tactile switch that provides a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. While the Sky POM is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', the Duck is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and the SP-Star Duck both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Sky POM features a POM top housing, which results in a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent quality of polycarbonate in the Duck's housing allows for RGB lighting effects, giving it an edge in visual appeal. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience through the use of distinct housing materials.
On the bottom housing front, the Sky POM incorporates a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, similar to its top housing characteristics. While the Duck maintains consistency in sound profile with its polycarbonate construction, the Sky POM offers a different typing experience by splitting the qualities of its housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch. This difference in design approach impacts the overall feel and sound production of each switch during typing.
The role of the top and bottom housings in a switch is crucial in determining the overall typing experience. The Sky POM and SP-Star Duck showcase how different housing materials can influence sound profiles and tactile feedback. The bottom housing tends to have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the two switches offer contrasting sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both aim to provide a pleasing and unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. This means that the Sky POM switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Duck tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Duck switch better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Sky POM switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Duck switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches offer different experiences based on the force required, so users can choose accordingly based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference - the Sky POM for those who prefer a shorter, more responsive feel, and the Duck for those who prefer a slightly deeper press. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results regardless of which one you choose.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
The Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing purposes. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Sky POM switch is described as offering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth, fluid, and effortless keystroke sensation with minimal resistance. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild, buttery, and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel characteristics.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. Both switches provide high-quality performance, with the Sky POM being more distinct in its sound and feel characteristics, while the SP-Star Duck offers a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following: If you prioritize a smooth and gentle typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Sky POM switch made of POM material might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for the typing feel and sound characteristics that best suit your needs and preferences. Choose wisely and enjoy your typing experience with your chosen mechanical keyboard switch.
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