Dareu Sky POM vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options emerge—the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both linear switches designed to enhance the typing and gaming experience. The Dareu Sky POM, made entirely from premium POM material, stands out for its smooth and buttery feel, characterized by a unique clacky sound and a gentle actuation force, appealing to users who prioritize a satisfying tactile feedback along with an accessible price point. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid inputs, combined with a bright, clacky sound profile and an incredibly smooth pushing sensation that gamers cherish. While both switches offer their unique strengths—comfort and smoothness for the Sky POM, and quick responsiveness for the Vintage Citrus—they cater to different preferences and usages. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we find distinct yet complementary properties that influence their sound profiles. The Sky POM features a top housing made of POM (polyoxymethylene), known for its durability and ability to produce a unique, deep sound. This material creates a muted sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a softer acoustic experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which, while also delivering a deeper sound, is characterized as a classic due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller, rounder tone, thus providing users with slightly different auditory feedback when typing.
Both the Sky POM and the Vintage Citrus share nylon as their bottom housing material, which is pivotal in shaping the overall sound experience. Nylon’s inherent properties, such as its ability to absorb sound, lead to a deeper and richer acoustic quality in both switches. This similarity means that regardless of the differences at the top housing level, the bottom housing in both models contributes significantly to a satisfying overall sound profile. Consequently, users can expect a consistent sound experience from the bottom-out action in both switches, largely independent of the top housing material used.
As a result of these comparisons, it becomes evident that while the top housings of the Sky POM and HMX Vintage Citrus are different in terms of material and the resulting sound effects, they still harmonize through their shared nylon bottom housing. This combination allows both switches to deliver a nuanced tactile feedback and sound experience that caters to various user preferences. In essence, a player can enjoy the unique attributes of each switch while still attaining a generally deep and satisfying auditory response, demonstrating how different materials can converge to produce similar outcomes in tactile devices like mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sky POM switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended periods of use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a greater actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. The bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown, while the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This indicates that the Vintage Citrus provides a more definitive feedback when pressed fully down. Therefore, those seeking a lighter key feel might gravitate towards the Dareu Sky POM, whereas users looking for a heavier and more tactile experience are likely to prefer the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find that the Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3.0 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, favored by those who seek a quicker, more responsive experience, which is particularly beneficial for gamers looking for swift key presses. On the other hand, the Sky POM offers a longer travel distance that provides a more pronounced depth, catering to users who prefer a traditional feel when typing or gaming. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the Sky POM's longer travel distance may feel more substantial and rounded, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile sensation.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 is known for its low-pitched, clacky sound profile, which delivers a bass-heavy and mellow tone that may appeal to those looking for a less intrusive auditory experience while typing or gaming. This quality can enhance the overall feel of a mechanical keyboard, providing auditory feedback without being overly harsh. The Vintage Citrus switch, while also characterized by a bright, clacky sound, may offer a different auditory experience, though specific descriptors for its sound are not provided. However, with both switches producing a clacky tone, users can expect a lively soundscape during use, influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Sky POM excels with its buttery, creamy, and silky characteristics, assuring a smooth keystroke experience that allows for a seamless transition between key presses. This generally translates into an effortless typing sensation, ideal for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a notably low actuation force of just 1mm, which is tuned for rapid-fire inputs, catering to gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While the specific feel of the Vintage Citrus isn’t elaborated, one can infer that its design aims for agility and quick tactile feedback, differing from the smoothness offered by the Sky POM.
Overall, both switches provide distinctive yet complementary attributes, with the Dareu Sky POM prioritizing a smooth and luxurious feel and a low-pitched sound that makes it a solid choice for typing comfort. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus focuses on speed and quicker actuation, making it an excellent fit for gamers seeking immediacy in their key presses. If you're looking for a switch that balances tactile response with auditory pleasure, the Sky POM may be preferable. However, if rapid actuation and agility are your priorities, the Vintage Citrus could be the better option. Each has its own unique charm, ensuring that users can find satisfaction based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should align with your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sky POM is a fantastic option. Its premium POM construction ensures a silky feel and clacky sound, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke during long typing sessions or casual gameplay. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking rapid response and quick activation, the Vintage Citrus is tailored to meet your needs with its low actuation force and a fast 1mm travel distance. Its bright, clacky sound adds a layer of excitement to your gaming experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a luxurious typing feel or speed and responsiveness in gaming.
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