Dareu Sky POM vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and TTC Venus stand out as two exemplary linear options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM switch, made entirely from POM material, is celebrated for its clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback while still benefiting from the gentle actuation force. Its buttery and silky feel provides a satisfying typing experience that many users find appealing, especially for both casual and competitive gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is engineered with an innovative design that delivers a frictionless glide and a "Q-texture" reminiscent of mochi, ideal for those who prioritize rapid, effortless typing without the distraction of noise. The Venus offers a subdued, muted sound profile that fosters a quieter environment, which might resonate better with professionals in shared workspaces. Ultimately, while both switches offer smooth, enjoyable typing experiences, their sound characteristics and tactile sensations differ significantly, making them suited for distinct user preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and TTC Venus keyboards highlight both similarities and differences that affect their acoustic performance. Both boards utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top housing, which brings about a unique sound signature characterized by a deeper and more muted auditory experience. This shared material choice ensures that both keyboards deliver a similar sound quality when keys are pressed, allowing for a gratifying typing experience. The POM's inherent properties foster a sound that feels robust and enjoyable, a factor that both keyboard models successfully capitalize on to create an inviting ambiance.
In contrast, the materials used for the bottom housings diverge, which significantly influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The Sky POM features a nylon bottom housing, which serves to enhance the depth and fullness of the sound. This softer material absorbs vibrations more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its rigidity and sharper acoustics. This distinction means the Venus produces a clearer, more resonant sound, contrasting with the duller tones of the Sky POM. Therefore, while both keyboards share a similar top housing, the distinction in the bottom materials leads to different sound profiles that can cater to diverse user preferences.
Ultimately, when considering the impact of these materials on typing experience, it's essential to recognize how the interplay between top and bottom housings shapes the sound generated upon key presses. The nylon bottom of the Sky POM likely results in a more muted bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate of the Venus produces a sharper response. This means that users can expect varying acoustic characteristics based on the combination of materials used. Even though the top housings are the same, the differences in the bottom housings create a diverse experience, illustrating how the changes in housing materials can lead to distinct auditory outcomes despite similarities in other aspects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we find that they differ in terms of actuation force. The Sky POM features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more comfortable typing experience for extended usage. In contrast, the TTC Venus requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. However, the bottom out force of the Sky POM is not available, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. The TTC Venus, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating a firmer end point when pressed. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch may lean towards the Dareu Sky POM, while those desiring a heavier feel could find the TTC Venus more to their liking, particularly given its specific bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users can expect a consistent and similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, their performance in terms of key actuation should yield comparable results, providing a fluid and responsive typing experience. This equivalence allows for interchangeability between the two switches without significant differences in feel or performance.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 switch produces a low-pitched clacky sound, characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy tone that can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers a low-pitched yet muted sound signature. This means while it also features a mellow tone, it minimizes the noise associated with key presses, resulting in a quieter typing experience that's more subdued than the Sky POM. Ultimately, if you're after an expressive and clacky sound, the Sky POM might appeal more to you, whereas if you need a quieter environment, the Venus would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, both switches present exceptional qualities. The Sky POM is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This combination creates a sense of effortless typing, making it accessible and pleasant for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Venus also boasts buttery qualities, alongside a gummy feel that adds a unique underscore to its typing experience. The Venus's frictionless design and polished finish offer a similarly smooth typing sensation, though users may find the bottoming-out experience to be more unique due to its trampoline-like texture. Thus, while both switches provide smoothness, the distinctive qualities of the Venus would attract those looking for a different tactile feedback during keypresses.
In summary, both the Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Venus switches deliver unique sound and feel experiences suited for different preferences. The Sky POM excels in offering an expressive, clacky auditory feedback, while the Venus provides a quieter, more subdued sound profile. Both switches promise a smooth typing experience, though they're differentiated by the unique nuances of their tactile feedback—making your choice depend largely on whether you prioritize noise level or seek a distinct feel when bottoming out. Ultimately, each switch caters to various typing styles and environments, ensuring that newcomers can find something appealing in either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a switch that delivers a smooth, buttery feel with a slightly clackier sound profile, the Sky POM would be your go-to option. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy an expressive typing experience that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and auditory stimulation, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks where you want both performance and pleasant acoustics. On the other hand, if your priority is a quieter, more subdued typing environment with effortless keystrokes, the TTC Venus would be the better choice. Its muted sound signature combined with a springy, gummy feel makes it perfect for office settings or for individuals who type for extended periods without the distraction of louder key presses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, ensuring a satisfying and fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
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