Dareu Sky POM vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that promise unique typing experiences. The Dareu Sky POM and the HMX SU are two standout linear switches that offer distinct characteristics appealing to different preferences. The Sky POM, crafted entirely from POM material, is celebrated for its premium quality while remaining budget-friendly. It delivers a smooth, creamy typing experience coupled with a gently clacky sound, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a tactile yet understated auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches boast a robust full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, providing a subtly deeper sound profile that appeals to users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Both switches shine in their own right; the Sky POM for its combination of smoothness and sound, and the HMX SU for its durability and deeper acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and HMX SU switches exhibit distinct housing materials that significantly contribute to their sound profiles. The Sky POM features a POM top housing, which is known for creating a unique sound that is deeper and relatively muted. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material recognized for achieving a fuller sound during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound better than harder materials like POM, resulting in a rounder sound profile. This fundamental difference in top housing materials leads to varied acoustic characteristics during actuation and release of the keys, making the experience of using each switch uniquely different.
Both the Sky POM and HMX SU switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which is a classic in the world of mechanical keyboards. This commonality means that when it comes to bottom-out feel and sound, both switches provide a similar experience. The nylon's ability to absorb sound helps create a deeper and fuller auditory experience for the user. Since both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, the impact of this material is consistently felt across both models, contributing to a satisfying bottom-out sound that users appreciate. This shared quality means that while they differ in their top housing, both models offer a deeply resonant experience when the key is fully pressed down.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials between the Dareu Sky POM and HMX SU switches create distinct sound profiles during key release, with the Sky POM having a more muted tone and the HMX SU producing a fuller sound. However, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housings, ensuring they deliver similar tactile and auditory feedback when bottoming out. Thus, users seeking a combination of unique releases and satisfying bottom-outs may find value in trying both models to see how the variances in top housing affect their overall typing experience while enjoying the familiar properties of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, we observe notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Sky POM requires an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter than the HMX SU, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unavailable, while the HMX SU has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams. The absence of the bottom out force for the Sky POM leaves us without a complete comparison in this aspect, making it difficult to assess its overall feel. For users who appreciate a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, the Sky POM may be preferable; conversely, those who favor a heftier feel may lean towards the HMX SU despite its heavier actuation force. Overall, the HMX SU offers a more substantial typing experience due to its defined heavier bottom out force, while the Sky POM may appeal to those who prioritize lightness in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SU features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference indicates that if you opt for the Sky POM, you'll experience a more substantial key press, which some users may appreciate for its depth and feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a longer and more traditional feel, while the HMX SU switch, being the shorter option, aligns with the growing trend towards rapid responsiveness in modern switches.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Sky POM and HMX SU linear switches, the Sky POM is known for its relatively clacky sound, providing a distinct auditory feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. Its low-pitched characteristic offers a deeper, bass-heavy tone, which can contribute to a more satisfying user experience. In contrast, the specific sound profile of the HMX SU isn't detailed in the provided information, making a direct comparison challenging. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound of a mechanical switch can depend greatly on the keyboard itself and the keycap materials used, meaning users can tailor their auditory experience regardless of which switch they choose.
In terms of feel, the Sky POM linear switch shines with its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations, offering an impressively smooth typing experience that enhances finger glide across the keys. This can often be attributed to the POM material used in its construction, which allows for a seamless transition between keystrokes. Unfortunately, the HMX SU lacks specific descriptors about its feel, which leaves its tactile characteristics somewhat unknown. This difference highlights that while the Sky POM guarantees a certain pleasurable typing experience, the SU's feel remains to be explored, making it potentially less certain in providing a similarly satisfying experience.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and luxurious feel, boasting smooth and effortless keystrokes, the HMX SU linear switch's sound and feel characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous. If you seek a more defined auditory and tactile experience, the Sky POM is a safe bet. However, if you're open to discovering the qualities of the HMX SU, you may still find it enjoyable. Ultimately, users may arrive at comparable outcomes depending on the combination of keyboard and keycap choices, allowing room for personal customization in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Sky POM and HMX SU linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel with a low-pitched sound, the Sky POM is an excellent choice. Its POM construction offers a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a gentle actuation force without sacrificing sound quality. This switch is particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or casual gaming, where a responsive yet comfortable feel is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile response and don't mind slightly higher resistance at the bottom out, the HMX SU linear switch could be more appealing. Its unique PA12 housing and T5 stem provide durability and a subtle sound profile, which may resonate well if you prefer a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value extreme smoothness and accessibility (Sky POM) or a balanced typing experience with solid construction (HMX SU). Both switches cater to different user needs, so selecting one will hinge on your individual typing preferences and intended usage.
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