Dareu Sky POM vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Dareu Sky POM and the Jwick Taro. The Dareu Sky POM is a linear switch, known for its premium quality at an accessible price point, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro is a tactile switch, providing a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. If you are looking for a switch that is "buttery" and "smooth," the Sky POM may be the better choice for you, while the Taro switch offers a "neutral" and "stepped" typing experience. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and the Jwick Taro both offer unique sound profiles due to their top and bottom housing materials. The Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. Despite their differences in top housing materials, the bottom housing material is the same for both switches, resulting in a similar sound experience when typing on them.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Taro's top housing allows for the passage of RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing experience for users. This is a stark contrast to the Sky POM's POM top housing, which does not allow for the same level of light transmission. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a classic and timeless look. While the top housings of these switches may create different sound profiles, the nylon bottom housings offer a consistent typing experience with their deep and full sound.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Sky POM and the Jwick Taro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The POM top housing of the Sky POM offers a unique sound experience that may be preferred by users looking for a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro provides a sharper and crisper sound, along with the added bonus of RGB lighting potential. Both switches share the benefits of nylon bottom housings, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound that is consistent across both options. Ultimately, users should consider both the sound profile and visual appeal when deciding between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Taro, whose actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Sky POM, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Sky POM may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Taro. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preference for typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable to most users, as both are relatively short compared to traditional switches with a 4.0 mm travel distance. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Taro switch or the slightly longer travel distance of the Sky POM switch will depend on your personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is best characterized by its low-pitched tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch is lauded for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that enhances overall typing smoothness. Conversely, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a buttery feel as well, along with a stepped tactile experience that offers a mild two-stage feedback during keystrokes. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience for users.
Overall, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch excels in offering a clacky sound profile with exceptional smoothness and a gentle actuation force, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and clacky typing experience with a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a cozy typing experience and a snappy tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel. Consider how you prioritize smoothness, actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound profile when choosing between these two switches.
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