Dareu Sky POM vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Type S are two options that stand out. The Dareu Sky POM switch boasts premium quality at an affordable price, known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, a flagship offering from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," offers a weightier keystroke with a pleasing balance of sound that leans towards a deeper acoustic experience. While the Sky POM is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', the Type S is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. If you're looking for a switch with a lighter touch and smoother feel, the Sky POM may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a weightier feel and a deeper sound, the Gateron Type S could be the better choice. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Type S both utilize nylon as a housing material for their switches, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. However, the Sky POM incorporates POM for its top housing, creating a unique sound that is relatively more muted compared to the Type S's nylon top housing. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, the slight variation in top housing material gives each switch its own distinct sound profile.
Despite the slight differences in top housing material, the overall typing experience on both the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Type S is likely to be quite similar due to the use of nylon in their bottom housing. Nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile is present in both switches, contributing to a satisfying typing sound that enthusiasts appreciate. With the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the similarities in this aspect between the two switches ensure a consistent typing experience regardless of the top housing material.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Type S may differ slightly in their choice of top housing material, both switches ultimately offer a pleasing typing experience with their nylon bottom housings. The unique sound profile created by POM in the Sky POM's top housing may appeal to those looking for a slightly more muted typing sound, while the Type S's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving a desirable typing experience, with nylon playing a key role in delivering a satisfying sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Sky POM is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams, while the Type S requires a higher force of 55 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Type S is heavier at 65 grams, unlike the Sky POM, which does not provide information on its bottom out force. In terms of preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky POM switch, while individuals looking for a more substantial push feel may opt for the Type S switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Type S linear switch. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable to the average user, but for those who are very particular about their typing experience, it could make a difference. If you prefer a quicker response time and a shorter travel distance, the Dareu Sky POM switch would be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress with a longer travel distance, the Gateron Type S switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance regardless of which one you choose.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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 offers a low-pitched and clacky sound, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that provides a unique acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch provides a neutral and subdued sound, striking a balance between moderate actuation force and a dampened sound profile that caters to a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired sound profile for your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Sky POM switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is effortless and uniform. This is due to the premium quality of POM material used in crafting the switch, ensuring a luxurious typing feel. Unfortunately, the information available for the Gateron Type S switch does not provide details on its tactile feedback and typing experience. However, based on the premium factory lubing techniques used in its production, it can be assumed that it also offers a smooth and satisfying typing feel similar to the Sky POM switch.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Type S switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sky POM switch stands out for its low-pitched and clacky sound, coupled with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience that showcases premium quality and smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch provides a neutral and subdued sound profile, alongside an assumed smooth and satisfying typing feel due to contemporary factory lubing techniques. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Sky POM linear switch or the Gateron Type S linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and buttery typing experience with a gentle actuation force, then the Sky POM switch would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral and subdued sound profile with a weightier keystroke feel, then the Gateron Type S switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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