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Dareu Sky POM vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both stand out for their unique features and qualities. The Sky POM switch is known for its premium quality at an affordable price point, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch from KTT stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a smooth and creamy feel. While both switches are described as 'buttery' and 'creamy', the Sky POM has a low-pitched feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a high-pitched sound. 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

43g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

48g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POK

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

Proprietary KTT blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POK

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel 18mm spring

Housing materials

The Dareu Sky POM and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The POM top housing of the Sky POM creates a deep and muted sound, while the proprietary KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, catering to those who prefer a softer, more rounded sound versus a sharper, more distinct sound.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic nature. On the other hand, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers smooth and durable switches with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. This difference in material contributes to the overall feel and durability of the switches, catering to users who prioritize a smooth typing experience with long-lasting durability.

While the Dareu Sky POM and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material are split between the two halves of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer unique and desirable qualities to enhance the typing experience, catering to a variety of preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, users can choose between the deep and muted sound of the Sky POM or the high-pitched and clacky sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream based on their personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Sky POM has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Vanilla Ice Cream at 48 grams provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Sky POM, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that individuals who prefer a lighter touch may find the Sky POM more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a more pronounced typing feel may opt for the heavier Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with a distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may provide a more responsive feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Sky POM may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.

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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.

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 linear switch offers a low-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch boasts a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, delivering a sharp and crisp sound that is clean and immersive. Both switches exhibit unique acoustics that cater to different preferences, with the Sky POM offering a deeper tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream offering a sharper, more resonant sound.

When it comes to feel, both the Sky POM and Vanilla Ice Cream switches are lauded for their buttery and creamy typing experiences. The Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is also characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, offering typists a smooth and buttery typing sensation that is akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them popular choices among enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sky POM excels in providing a low-pitched and clacky sound profile along with a buttery and creamy typing experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking a smoother and more grounded tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature paired with a buttery and creamy feel, appealing to typists who prefer a sharper and more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver premium quality and exceptional smoothness, catering to different preferences while upholding a high standard of performance.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Sky POM linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch that offers a smooth and creamy feel, with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the perfect fit. Both switches have their unique qualities and it is important to test them out to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to what feels and sounds right to you.

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