Dareu Sky POM vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the Huano Strawberry Latte present two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Sky POM, made entirely from POM material, is celebrated for its premium quality at an accessible price point, delivering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. Its unique sound profile is described as buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte distinguishes itself with its super smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano that yield a balanced sound profile—not too quiet, yet not excessively resonant. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the choice between the two may come down to preferences in sound and texture. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and the Huano Strawberry Latte, one can observe significant differences and some similarities. The Sky POM features a top housing made of POM, which is known for producing a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This contrasts with the Strawberry Latte's top housing made of POK, a polyketone material recognized for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and notable shock resistance. While both housings are engineered to enhance the typing experience, the POM's softer character seeks to offer a warmer sound, while the POK aims for clarity with a slight edge in smoothness due to its lower coefficient of friction. These fundamental differences result in a varied auditory experience when using each switch, with the Sky POM focusing on a muted depth and the Strawberry Latte exhibiting a crisper and more vibrant sound.
In terms of their bottom housing, both switches share the classic material of nylon, which is celebrated for its sound absorption and overall performance. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes similarly to a fuller, deeper sound profile. Its relatively softer characteristics allow for a more rounded auditory experience, which is consistent across both switches. This shared material achieves a uniformity in the sound profile while enabling both to maintain a smooth bottom-out feel. Therefore, while the top housings differ significantly, the nylon bottom housing creates a familiar auditory sensation that can be appreciated by users of either switch.
Ultimately, the combined characteristics of the different housing materials of the Sky POM and the Strawberry Latte highlight how the integration of unique and classic elements can shape the overall performance of a switch. The POM top housing's muted sound complemented by the nylon bottom's fuller profile produces a specific typing experience that focuses on warmth and depth. Conversely, the POK top housing's smoothness, paired with the nylon bottom's absorbing qualities, delivers a typing experience marked by clarity and durability. In essence, while the top housings diverge in their properties, the standardized nylon bottom ensures that the core tactile and auditory experiences remain consistent, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a warmer or crisper sound without sacrificing the advantages provided by nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Sky POM features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams. This suggests that the Strawberry Latte may be preferable for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long work sessions or extended gaming. However, the Sky POM's actuation force provides a slightly more substantial push feel, which might appeal to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, while the Strawberry Latte has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, the Sky POM does not provide data for this metric, leaving it unknown. Consequently, without a bottom out force for the Sky POM, we cannot compare this aspect directly. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Strawberry Latte would be the better option, while the Sky POM offers a heavier, albeit unspecified, bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sky POM offers a deeper keypress experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel as they type. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, could provide faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and quick actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who favor a hearty depth will likely lean towards the Sky POM, whereas those who enjoy a more responsive feel may prefer the Strawberry Latte.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switch produces a low-pitched, clacky sound that tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This gives it a distinctive auditory character that many users find pleasing and suitable for a variety of environments. The sound is not overly jarring, making it suitable for both gaming and typing while still providing satisfying acoustic feedback on each keystroke. On the other hand, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is noted for having a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, the lack of specific descriptors leaves an opportunity for subjective interpretation. Users may find the sound to be versatile and adaptable, but exact comparisons on pitch or resonance characteristics remain uncertain.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky POM excels with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, which is largely attributed to its high-quality POM material. The smoothness that these descriptors imply creates a delightful keystroke experience, where each press feels fluid and effortless. It fosters a tactile sensation that many typists and gamers seek, as it allows for prolonged use without fatigue. In contrast, there is no detailed information available on the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte. Without specific descriptors or insights into the switch's internal mechanics, it's difficult to assess how it might compare to the Sky POM in terms of tactile feedback or overall user experience.
In conclusion, both switches have their unique strengths, particularly in sound, where the Dareu Sky POM provides a more defined auditory experience. Its buttery and creamy feel makes it a strong contender for those who prioritize a refined typing sensation. The Strawberry Latte, while described as balanced in sound, lacks detailed information on its tactile qualities, leaving room for personal exploration. For a newcomer, it’s essential to consider these subjective qualities alongside personal preferences and use cases, as both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit through different auditory and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sky POM, with its unique POM construction, is designed to deliver exceptional smoothness alongside a clacky sound profile that adds character to your typing. Its low actuation force makes it great for long typing sessions, as your fingers will glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial keystroke, the Strawberry Latte, with its light bottom-out force of 45 grams, offers a balanced sound and provides a more grounded typing feel. While it may not be as whisper-quiet as other switches, the balanced sound profile is ideal for those who enjoy a moderate acoustic feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect the kind of tactile feedback and auditory experience you seek in your keyboard, ensuring that your typing experience aligns with your workflow and personal style.
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