Dareu Sky POM vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and the SP-Star Yanyu offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Sky POM switch is renowned for its premium quality made entirely from POM material, providing a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', this switch is ideal for those seeking a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is perfect for users desiring a more delicate typing experience or those typing for extended periods. With a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Sky POM utilizes POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a brighter and pleasant sound. In terms of bottom housing, the Sky POM uses nylon to produce a fuller and deeper sound profile, while the Yanyu's blend bottom housing contributes to a pleasant, slightly brighter sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their own unique sound characteristics.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Dareu Sky POM and SP-Star Yanyu switches allows for a split in the qualities each housing brings to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing, whether nylon or a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether POM or a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings adds to the complexity and overall experience of typing on these switches.
While the Dareu Sky POM and SP-Star Yanyu differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom housings, they ultimately aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with unique sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Sky POM offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing leans towards a brighter sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM creates a fuller sound profile, contrasting with the blend bottom housing of the Yanyu, which produces a slightly brighter sound. Both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience with their own distinct sound characteristics, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky POM switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky POM switch due to its lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Yanyu switch with its light bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Sky POM being the shorter option. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Dareu Sky POM, while those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming may opt for the SP-Star Yanyu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 and clacky sound profile, which is bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a more neutral and thocky sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, rich sound when pressed. Depending on your preference, the Sky POM may be more suitable for those who enjoy a clacky and low-pitched sound, while the Yanyu may appeal to those who prefer a neutral and thocky sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Sky POM is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with light actuation force and reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing sensation, with the Sky POM focusing on smoothness and uniformity, while the Yanyu emphasizes lightness and refined key travel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Sky POM and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sky POM excels in providing a low-pitched clacky sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel, while the Yanyu stands out for its neutral thocky sound and mild, feathery typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Sky POM emphasizing smoothness and the Yanyu focusing on lightness and comfort. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance your typing experience, providing premium quality at accessible price points.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience with a clacky sound, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch crafted from POM material would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch with a bottom out force of 43 grams would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Sky POM and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and priorities.
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