Dareu Sky POM vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and Bsun Tomcat each present compelling qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM, constructed entirely from POM material, excels by delivering an affordable yet premium typing experience. It is celebrated for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a buttery and silky feel while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches incorporate Ly stems that ensure a remarkably smooth typing experience, paired with a resonant sound profile that many users find satisfying. Both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts but offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit notable differences that influence the sound profiles and overall typing experience of each switch. The Sky POM utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) material for its top housing, which is celebrated for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing. The POM's acoustics are characterized by a pleasing and unique tone, making it well-suited for users who prefer a subtly rich auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tomcat is designed to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinction in materials largely stems from the inherent properties of each plastic: the stiffer polycarbonate reverberates more effectively, creating a more resonant sound when engaged, particularly beneficial for those interested in vibrant RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat utilize nylon, a classic material that is known for its acoustic properties. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer plastic nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This results in a richer and rounder auditory experience during typing, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying thock or clack, depending on the switch design. Although the top housings of the two switches differ, the nylon bottom housing common to both creates a familiar auditory foundation that enhances the overall typing experience across both models.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat utilize different materials for their top housings, the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures they share a significant aspect of their sound profile. Users can expect a consistent experience in terms of deeper sound due to the nylon's acoustic absorption properties. However, the distinct characteristics brought by the POM and polycarbonate materials in the top housing mean that users can choose between a muted yet pleasing sound of the Sky POM or the sharper resonance of the Tomcat. This distinction allows typists to select a switch that best aligns with their auditory preferences while still benefiting from the nylon's depth and warmth in sound across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, their actuation forces present a notable contrast. The Sky POM requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, especially for users who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Tomcat demands a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may offer a more substantial feel for those who favor a stronger push during typing. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Tomcat switch has a defined bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Sky POM's bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information means we cannot directly compare their bottom out experiences, but it is clear that the Tomcat is the heavier option overall due to its higher actuation and known bottom out force. Users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use may lean towards the Sky POM, while those appreciating a firmer typing experience might prefer the Tomcat.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a distinct difference. The Sky POM features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sky POM offers a deeper keystroke, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers who favor quicker response times for fast-paced action. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will boil down to personal preference: those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke should gravitate toward the Sky POM, whereas those seeking rapid actuation might opt for the Tomcat.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 profile that delivers a bass-heavy, mellow tone. This resonance can contribute to a satisfying auditory feedback during typing, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more robust sound. The Bsun Tomcat switch’s specific sound characteristics are unknown, but it generally maintains a resonant sound profile. Due to this lack of detailed information about the Tomcat's sound, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison; however, users may find their experience influenced by the combination of their chosen board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Sky POM switch stands out with descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and silky, indicating that it provides a notably smooth and fluid typing experience. This seamless interaction allows for effortless keystrokes that can enhance typing speed and comfort. In contrast, the specifics of the Tomcat switch's feel are not available, leaving a gap in comparison. However, the Sky POM’s buttery smoothness suggests it is tailored for users seeking a premium tactile experience, which might not be achievable with Tomcat switches but remains unknown.
Overall, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a well-rounded performance characterized by a pleasing low-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Its POM construction contributes to its unique auditory and tactile qualities, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing these attributes. While the specifics of the Tomcat switch's sound and feel remain uncharted, potential users should consider that less information may limit their ability to gauge a comprehensive experience. For similar sound and feel results, choosing options that share qualities of the Sky POM will likely provide satisfying outcomes, while the Tomcat's characteristics are yet to be fully defined.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for an exceptionally smooth and silky typing experience with a gentle actuation force, and you're also drawn to a low-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Sky POM would be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly great for users who enjoy a muted yet satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams and are inclined towards a more resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switch would be more suitable for you. The Tomcat offers a super smooth experience thanks to its Ly stems, making it ideal for those who prioritize a stable yet responsive typing feel. Thus, whether you lean towards the buttery and creamy characteristics of the Sky POM or the balanced response of the Tomcat will guide you in making a decision that best suits your typing style and sound preferences.
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