Dareu Sky POM vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the Gateron Weightlessness provide distinct experiences catered to various typing preferences. The Dareu Sky POM, renowned for its premium construction from POM material, boasts a smooth and buttery feel with a gentle actuation force, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking a responsive and satisfying linear switch. Its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to any typing session. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch introduces a tactile experience that delivers a subtle to moderate bump, appealing to users who enjoy a little feedback when they press a key without the excessive resistance found in heavier tactile switches. This balance, combined with a well-rounded sound profile, makes the Weightlessness perfect for both typists and gamers who appreciate a tactile response without sacrificing smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Sky POM Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Weightlessness switches showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall acoustic properties. The Sky POM has a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted profile. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch employs a nylon top housing, described as a classic material that similarly yields a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature. This comparison highlights the difference in materials, with POM offering a distinctive sound signature compared to the more traditional and widely-used nylon.

When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which results in a remarkable similarity in their acoustic characteristics. The nylon bottom housing on both the Sky POM and Weightlessness houses contributes to a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing the deeper auditory profile that users can expect. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, reinforcing the full and rich auditory experience each switch provides when bottomed out. Despite the differences in top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that both switches exhibit comparable sound profile qualities, creating a harmonious auditory performance for users.

In summary, while the Dareu Sky POM and Gateron Weightlessness employ different materials for their top housings, they converge in using nylon for their bottom housings, leading to parallel sound experiences. The POM top of the Sky POM generates a unique sound, while the nylon top in the Weightlessness offers a classic touch, but both switches ultimately deliver a similar auditory effect due to their identical bottom housings. By understanding the distribution of sound qualities between the top and bottom housings, users can appreciate how odd variations in material can still yield aesthetically pleasing and similar results in typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force, with the Sky POM requiring 40 grams to register a keystroke, while the Weightlessness necessitates a heavier 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Sky POM is the lighter of the two, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during long work hours or gaming sessions. The bottom out forces for both switches remain unknown, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard; however, without specific measurements, it is unclear whether they exhibit similar bottoming out characteristics. Overall, users seeking a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Dareu Sky POM, while those desiring a more substantial push experience may opt for the Gateron Weightlessness.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch measures 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm suggests that the Sky POM offers a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a hearty depth in their keypresses. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker and more responsive experience, making it particularly suitable for gamers who favor rapid inputs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should be guided by personal preference—whether one favors a more pronounced key travel with the Sky POM or seeks the brisk response of the Weightlessness switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch produces a low-pitched and clacky sound. This offers a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, making it somewhat more substantial in its acoustics compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has an overall balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, specific sound descriptors are not provided. It’s important to note that the sound experience is highly dependent on other elements such as the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps, which may lead to similar sound qualities between the two switches under the right conditions.

When evaluating feel, the Sky POM switch excels with descriptors such as buttery, creamy, and silky. This implies that the switch allows for an exceptionally smooth typing experience, providing a seamless, effortless keystroke sensation that makes typing enjoyable and fluid. These qualities allow typists to glide over the keys with little to no friction. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch aren't elaborated upon. Therefore, without additional information, it's challenging to make direct comparisons on tactile feedback, as it may embody a subtly different experience.

In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, clacky sound and an ultra-smooth typing experience, making it appealing for users who value auditory and tactile satisfaction. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, while balanced in sound, lacks detailed descriptors for its feel but is known to provide a subtle to moderate tactile sensation. Overall, individuals pursuing a keyboard that emphasizes sound and smoothness may gravitate toward the Sky POM, while those looking for a balanced sound with some tactile feedback may appreciate the Weightlessness, provided more information on its tactile characteristics becomes available.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel and enjoy the gentle, clacky sound that the Sky POM offers, this switch would be an excellent choice, especially for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where quick actuation and fluidity are key. The unique materials used in the Sky POM lead to a silky, creamy sensation that enhances your overall typing experience and makes long typing sessions more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy without overwhelming your senses, then the Gateron Weightlessness switch is for you. It strikes a good balance in terms of both sound and feel, making it great for a quieter work environment or casual gaming, where a bit of tactile feedback can help confirm key presses without being overly noisy. By understanding your priorities—whether they lean towards smoothness and sound or tactile feedback—you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Sky POM Linear

$7.78

$4.98 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more