Dareu Sky POM vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Sky POM is praised for its premium quality at an accessible price point, boasting clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches have their own set of attributes and are categorized differently - the Sky POM as buttery, low-pitched, creamy, silky and the Xinhai as bouncy, clacky, creamy. If you are looking for a switch that offers smoothness and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a unique acoustic profile and precise performance, the Xinhai might be the better option. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Sky POM uses POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the Xinhai utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This similarity in bottom housing material results in comparable typing experiences in terms of sound quality.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The POM top housing of the Sky POM produces a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai. The POM housing offers a more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the Xinhai that is not present in the Sky POM. Despite this difference, both switches still offer a pleasing typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Sky POM and the HMX Xinhai will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the bottom housing materials are the same for both switches, the contrasting top housing materials result in unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound profile from the POM top housing of the Sky POM or a sharper, crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Xinhai, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and design features.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX Xinhai 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 slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams. However, the Xinhai has a heavier bottom out force of 45 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown. This difference in bottom out force suggests that the Xinhai switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM may appeal to individuals looking for a lighter typing feel, as it has a lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both have different travel distances. The Sky POM has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The difference may not be very significant, but for those who prefer a bit more responsiveness and a faster key press, the Xinhai might be the better option. On the other hand, the Sky POM with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying full press experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the type of typing or gaming 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 linear switch offers a low-pitched tone with a bass-heavy and mellow sound, providing a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on personal preference, the Sky POM may be more suited for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Xinhai appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch is often described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation combined with a buttery typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with slight variations in the feedback and rebound they offer. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Sky POM provides a low-pitched and buttery typing experience, the Xinhai presents a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. It is important to consider personal preferences for sound and typing feel when selecting between these switches, as both can offer a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on different boards and keycap combinations may provide a better understanding of which switch aligns more closely with one's typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics with a POM stem for a distinctively crisp sound, the Xinhai may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch with no specified bottom out force and a smooth, clacky sound with exceptional smoothness, the Sky POM could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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