Dareu Sky POM vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and the Gazzew U4Tx offer unique characteristics to consider. The Sky POM is praised 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 U4Tx stands out for its refined sound profile, combining the deep "thock" of bottoming out with the quiet topping out, providing a sharp and satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Sky POM utilizes POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound profile. Both housing materials offer a distinct auditory experience, with the POM top housing leaning towards a softer sound and the Gazzew blend top housing delivering a more pronounced depth to the sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Dareu Sky POM features a nylon material that elicits a deep and full sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. These bottom housings complement the top housings of their respective switches, enhancing the overall sound experience for users.
While the Dareu Sky POM and Gazzew U4Tx utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall impact on sound and feel is notable in both switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a similar outcome in terms of providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4Tx is heavier with a force of 62.5 grams, while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Sky POM may be the preferable option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the U4Tx switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the U4Tx has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are increasingly popular in keyboards today. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Sky POM. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 U4Tx 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
The Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched clacky sound with exceptional smoothness and a gentle actuation force, providing a unique typing experience with each press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a bassy and muted sound profile, featuring a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, creating a luxurious acoustically pleasing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Sky POM leaning towards a clackier tone and the U4Tx focusing on a deeper, richer sound.
When it comes to feel, the Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a sharp tactile bump with a strong and crisp feedback intensity, giving a distinct tactile experience with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Sky POM emphasizing smoothness and uniformity, while the U4Tx focuses on a sharp and intense tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch each offer their own set of subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a clacky and smooth typing experience with the Sky POM or a bassy and sharply tactile typing feel with the U4Tx, both switches provide high-quality performance at their respective price points. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth, gentle, and clacky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp, tactile bump with a bassy and muted sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and a gentle actuation force or a sharp tactile feedback and a refined sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your choice.
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