Dareu Sky POM vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, both the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Dareu Sky POM is an innovative linear switch made entirely from POM material, celebrated for its buttery smoothness, low-pitched clacky sound, and gentle actuation force, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize a comfortable and satisfying touch. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, contributing to a resonant sound profile that enhances the overall tactile feedback. Both switches excel in their own right, with the Sky POM appealing to those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank, while the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering a rich auditory and tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Dareu Sky POM Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) showcase distinct properties in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the overall sound profiles of each switch. The Sky POM features a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound that lends a unique auditory quality. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The structural properties of polycarbonate—being a stiffer plastic—enhance its resonance and clarity, making it particularly suitable for those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback. While both materials serve their purposes effectively, they cater to different auditory preferences, with POM leaning towards a smoother sound and polycarbonate offering a more vibrant and lively experience.

Both the Dareu Sky POM and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature nylon bottom housings, showcasing a shared characteristic in their construction. This classic material is revered for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to its softer nature. As nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, it creates a duller and rounder auditory quality that many typists appreciate. This similarity in bottom housing means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a consistency in the overall bottom-out sound when pressing the switches. The shared nylon bottom contributes to a familiar sensation and sound in both switches, ensuring that a deep and resonant profile is maintained.

When considering the overall performance of each switch, it becomes evident that the impact of the housing materials is divided between the top and bottom components. With the Sky POM's muted POM top leading to a softer release sound and the Tomcat's polycarbonate top delivering a more vibrant auditory release, each switch provides a distinct feel when typing. However, since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, this commonality ensures that the bottom-out experience remains consistent in depth and fullness. Ultimately, while users will notice differences in sound upon key release between the two switches, they can still expect a satisfying and resonant bottom-out sensation thanks to the nylon material employed in both models.

Weight

The Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which will appeal to different user preferences. The Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some may find more satisfying. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding its full impact. The Tomcat (Heavy), on the other hand, has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 64 grams, reinforcing its tactile feedback and stability. Therefore, for users looking for a lighter switch for extended use, the Sky POM would be more appropriate, whereas those who prefer a stronger push and tactile response will favor the Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

The Dareu Sky POM linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sky POM provides a deeper keypress experience, which some users may prefer for its hearty feel, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more responsive and brisk engagement that might appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation times. For those who enjoy a balance between depth and speed, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference—opting for the Sky POM for a more substantial feel or the Tomcat (Heavy) for a snappier response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is known for its low-pitched, clacky profile that delivers a pleasing and warm auditory experience. This sound is less aggressive compared to higher-pitched switches, making it conducive to a more pleasant typing environment. On the other hand, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has an unspecified sound profile, it is acknowledged for its resonant characteristics, suggesting it also has depth, though specifics about its pitch or texture are not available. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, but the details of the Tomcat's sound remain open to interpretation considering it varies with different keyboard setups and keycap choices.

In terms of feel, the Sky POM linear switch shines with its buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics. This combination means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth keystroke that minimizes resistance, allowing for a seamless and fluid typing sensation. Whether you’re typing quickly or leisurely, the tactile feedback provided by the POM material enhances the overall experience. In contrast, there is no detailed information available regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, making it difficult to compare directly. However, given its construction featuring Ly stems that are crafted for smoothness, one might anticipate a comparable smooth experience possibly more designed for a heavier feel.

In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound profile and superior smooth typing feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch’s resonant sound remains undefined along with specific properties regarding its feel. The Sky POM clearly offers an established and inviting typing characteristic, making it an appealing choice for users seeking both auditory satisfaction and tactile smoothness. Without specific details on the Tomcat, a user may find themselves questioning the overall typing experience it provides. Thus, though both switches are built for linear performance, the unique and detailed experiences offered by the Sky POM set it apart, while the Tomcat's qualities await further exploration.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use case. If you are looking for a switch that offers a premium, smooth, and buttery typing experience, the Sky POM will likely fulfill your needs. Its low-pitched, clacky sound profile and gentle actuation force make it ideal for casual typing or gaming, especially if you appreciate a quieter and more comfortable experience without the need for significant force. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feel that provides more feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be the right choice for you. Its construction features Ly stems that contribute to a resonant sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile experience while typing—a great option for heavy typists or gamers seeking a balance between smoothness and a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches hinges on your personal values in smoothness, sound, and actuation force, allowing you to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience to match your specific preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more