Dareu Sky POM vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and Haimu Viola Tricolor offer distinct characteristics to suit different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM switch is lauded for its premium quality at a reasonable price point, featuring a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. This linear switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is praised for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. This tactile switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. While the Sky POM offers a smooth and gentle typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides a pronounced tactility and balance. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Sky POM and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials offer distinct advantages - POM for a more pleasing sound and polycarbonate for a more resonant sound. However, the decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Sky POM and the Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housing, users can expect a more satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound. Despite the similarities in housing material, the overall typing experience may still vary depending on the top housing material used in conjunction with the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Sky POM and the Haimu Viola Tricolor ultimately comes down to the desired sound profile and typing experience. While both switches use nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound, the top housing material - whether POM or polycarbonate - will greatly influence the overall sound profile. Whether one prefers a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, each housing material offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, depending on their individual preferences for sound profile and overall feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In terms of actuation force, the Sky POM is lighter compared to the Viola Tricolor. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the same, both measuring at 3.8mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.8mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience when using both switches. Overall, both switches offer the same travel distance, making them equal in this aspect.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a low-pitched clacky sound, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone which contributes to a smooth and premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch produces a bassy sound profile with a touch of character, striking a balance between being punchy and not overly tactile. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Sky POM switch delivers a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and uniform sensation that is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, adding a pronounced level of tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches prioritize providing an immersive typing feel, with the Sky POM focusing on smoothness and the Viola Tricolor emphasizing tactile sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Sky POM excels in providing a premium, low-pitched sound and a buttery typing experience, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its bassy sound profile and a balanced level of tactility. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback in your typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying result that enhances your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched, buttery and creamy typing experience with a gentle actuation force, then the Sky POM switch might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy sound, pronounced tactility, and a more invigorating typing sensation with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Viola Tricolor switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual typing style and what attributes you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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