Dareu Sky POM vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Sky POM is praised for its premium quality at an accessible price, known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, making it a popular choice for those seeking a buttery and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T stands out for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback for a more tactile and sharp 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and Gazzew U4T both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles due to their top housing materials. The Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Despite their differences in sound characteristics, both materials are chosen for their ability to produce a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dareu Sky POM features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, often referred to as "boba plastic." Although the specific materials differ, both the Sky POM and U4T aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their choice of bottom housing materials.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. While the Dareu Sky POM and Gazzew U4T may have distinct housing materials, the end result is a similarly satisfying typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. The bottom out force of the U4T is heavier at 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Sky POM switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the U4T for a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force depending on personal preference, so individuals can choose accordingly for their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which is slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch's travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the U4T for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched and clacky sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch produces a bassy and thocky sound, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with a satisfying thud or knock sensation with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a clacky low-pitched sound or a bassy thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Sky POM switch is renowned for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is seamless and effortless. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity, resulting in a distinct and crisp tactile response with each keypress. Whether you prefer a smooth and buttery feel or a sharp and intense tactile feedback will dictate which switch is more suitable for your typing style and preferences.
Overall, both the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched clacky sound and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sky POM switch is the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a bassy thocky sound and a sharp tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that will elevate your typing experience, providing auditory and tactile satisfaction in their own distinctive ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a clacky sound, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sky POM may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a sharp tactile feedback, the U4T could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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