Dareu Sky POM vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and Bsun Taichi both present appealing options, especially for those who prefer linear switches. The Dareu Sky POM, made entirely from POM material, is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a tactile yet quiet typing experience. Its gentle actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, appealing to both casual typists and gamers alike who value comfort and affordability in their setup. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch stands out with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and specially engineered extended springs. This design results in unparalleled smoothness and stability, ideal for those who seek a more responsive typing experience with a unique auditory signature. Both switches cater to different preferences, making them great contenders depending on what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and Bsun Taichi keyboards showcase distinct approaches to housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Sky POM utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, a material noted for creating a unique sound that leans toward deeper and more muted tones. This quality stands in stark contrast to the Bsun Taichi's use of polycarbonate, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances clarity and resonance, making it a popular choice for designs that incorporate RGB lighting, due to its translucency. Thus, users can expect very different auditory experiences when typing on these two switches, with the Sky POM focusing on a mellow, subdued sound and the Taichi delivering a livelier, more vibrant auditory result.
While there is a clear divergence in the top-housing materials of the two switches, both the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material plays a significant role in dampening sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller typing experience. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder output. Regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will offer a satisfying tactile experience and sound profile thanks to the nylon base. As a result, a player familiar with the sound of nylon switches will find a consistent auditory element between the two models, despite their contrasting top housings.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of materials leads to a unique interaction between sound and feel for each switch. While the Sky POM’s POM top creates a deeper sound when keys are released, the Taichi's polycarbonate evinces a sharper resonance upon key release. However, both switches' shared nylon bottoms ensure that the essential characteristics of sound absorption and a full typing feel persist across both models. Essentially, the differences in sound profiles introduce variety without losing the foundational qualities provided by the nylon housing. Thus, users can expect a cohesive blend of deeper tones from the nylon while experiencing distinct top-end attributes that define the character of each switch.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both have an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that the effort required to register a keystroke is identical between the two. However, the bottom out force for both switches remains unknown, which means we cannot directly compare how they feel when fully pressed down. Since they share the same actuation force, users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions will find both options suitable. Conversely, without a specified bottom out force, we miss the opportunity to assess whether one switch offers a more substantial feel at the end of a keystroke, which could cater to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Thus, if you're searching for a switch that balances comfortable keystrokes with potential for longer use, either the Sky POM or Taichi aligns well with those needs due to their equal actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch reveal a clear distinction between the two. The Sky POM features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more traditional feel and a deeper keystroke, the Sky POM would be the better choice, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Taichi's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times and a snappier typing experience. Overall, while both switches fall within the emerging trend of shorter travel distances, the Sky POM offers a more pronounced depth compared to the quicker and more responsive feel of the Taichi.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch features a low-pitched profile, creating a more bass-heavy tone that is mellow and less intrusive compared to higher-pitched switches. This characteristic allows for a more subdued auditory experience, making it ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer not to draw attention while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch is noted for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which stands in stark opposition to the Sky POM's sound signature. This bright and lively sound can be more pronounced, offering a distinct auditory feedback that some typists find exhilarating, although it may be less suited for noise-sensitive settings.
In terms of feel, the Sky POM excels with its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations that contribute to a seamless keystroke experience. Typists can expect an effortless interaction with the keys, allowing for fatigue-free typing over extended periods. This smoothness is likely attributed to the premium POM material used in its construction, which enhances the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch's feel is not explicitly detailed; hence, its tactile qualities remain unknown. Users could experience smoothness, but without specific descriptors, their tactile experience compared to the Sky POM cannot be accurately assessed.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch provides an enchanting high-pitched sound, leaving its tactile feel uncertain. Users looking for a mellow auditory experience with exceptional smoothness will find the Sky POM appealing. However, for those who favor an exciting sound with potentially different tactile feedback, the Taichi could be a suitable option. Overall, whether you choose the Sky POM for its refined qualities or the Taichi for its captivating sound, both switches can offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit in different auditory and tactile realms.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a buttery and creamy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sky POM switch would likely be the better choice for you. Its premium POM construction ensures a silky and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions or when you're looking for a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more enchanting sound with a unique high-pitched bottom-out noise, you may find the Taichi irresistible. With its long-pole stem and extended springs, it provides unmatched smoothness and stability, which can elevate your gaming or typing experience. Ultimately, consider the sound characteristics and tactile feel that resonate with you, as these elements will significantly impact your enjoyment and efficiency while using your mechanical keyboard.
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