Dareu Sky POM vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM, known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched clack, is crafted entirely from POM material, making it an appealing choice for users seeking premium quality at an accessible price. Its gentle actuation force encourages fluid typing sessions, perfect for those who favor a light touch. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a super smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that delivers the beloved "thock" sound widely appreciated among enthusiasts. With a dustproof stem that reduces wobble, this switch offers a refined tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who prioritize both feel and sound quality. Both switches possess characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, yet each brings its own flair to the keyboard experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), it becomes evident that the distinct choices in materials greatly influence their overall auditory characteristics. The Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a sound profile that is described as deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This significant difference in top housing materials contributes to varied auditory experiences when typing—where the Sky POM focuses on warmth and softness in its sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes clarity and resonance. For users who prefer a more vibrant and illuminated aesthetic, the polycarbonate material’s translucency also enhances the clarity of RGB lighting effects.
The bottom housing for both switches employs nylon, which plays a crucial role in shaping the tactile and auditory experience of each switch. Nylon is revered for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, regardless of the different top housing materials, both the Sky POM and Sticky Rice (V2) will provide users with a more muted bottom-out sound due to the nylon used in the bottom housing. This means that while the top housings contribute distinctively to the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing presence leads to a uniformly rounded sound profile when the switches are pressed down.
Overall, the blend of diverse materials in the Dareu Sky POM and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) creates unique auditory signatures while maintaining some similarities. The contrasting top housings—POM versus polycarbonate—provide the two switches with differing upper sound profiles, while the nylon bottoms ensure a consistent depth to the sound experience when the keys bottom out. Therefore, even if they create different auditory outputs due to the specific materials used in the top housing, users can still achieve a deeper sound experience thanks to the nylon bottom in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM switch is unknown, while the Sticky Rice (V2) switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier in that regard. This difference means that although you might get a similar feel when initially pressing the keys, the Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a more substantial response when fully pressed down. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter switch might lean towards the Sky POM, especially since it has an undefined bottom out force, while those who enjoy a more tactile experience may favor the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) due to its greater bottoming out resistance. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on individual preferences regarding weight and feel during extensive typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures 3.5 mm. This makes the Sky POM the longer option, offering a more traditional feel in contrast to the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2), which might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. While the Sky POM provides a more pronounced depth, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be seen as more responsive, aligning with contemporary preferences for faster key presses. For those who appreciate a comfortable and deeper actuation, the Sky POM may be the preferred choice, while gamers focused on speed might lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2).
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 profiles of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both switches exhibit a low-pitched sound characteristic that imparts a bass-heavy, mellow tone to the typing experience. This auditory quality can create a pleasant and soothing environment, particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound profile can be influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard housing and keycap materials, giving both switches room for nuanced sound variation depending on their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the Sky POM switch stands out for its buttery, creamy, and silky smooth keystrokes, delivering a typing sensation that feels seamless and effortless. Its construction from POM contributes to a refined typing experience. On the flip side, the Sticky Rice (V2) switch also offers a silky feel, along with polished and mild characteristics that contribute to its refined smoothness. Both switches prioritize a buttery touch, ensuring users will appreciate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that minimizes resistance and encourages a pleasant typing rhythm. While the Sky POM is lauded for its overall smoothness, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in minimizing friction, making both choices commendable for those who seek a refined typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky POM and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches bring unique strengths to the table, yet they share notable similarities in sound and feel. Users can expect a low-pitched auditory experience that remains pleasant and harmonious, complemented by exceptionally smooth keystrokes that enhance typing comfort. Whether one prefers the buttery smoothness of the Sky POM or the polished sensation of the Sticky Rice (V2), both switches are exceptional choices for newcomers seeking quality mechanical switches. Each offers a pathway to a rewarding typing experience, making either a worthy addition to any keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a buttery, creamy feel with a gentle actuation and a clacky sound, the Sky POM switch is an excellent choice for casual and gaming scenarios where smooth keypresses enhance your experience. Its low-pitched tone provides a unique ambiance that can make typing or gaming more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you appreciate a refined, polished typing experience with a bit more weight behind your keystrokes—ideal for prolonged typing sessions or professional work—the Sticky Rice (V2) would suit you better. Its mild sound signature and smooth performance make it perfect for those seeking a balance between tactile feedback and a quieter operation. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prioritize the silky smoothness and playful sound of the Sky POM or the more grounded and nuanced feel of the Sticky Rice (V2).
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