Dareu Sky POM vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Dareu Sky POM switch, made entirely from POM material, stands out for its outstanding smoothness and satisfying clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value auditory feedback and a buttery-smooth keystroke. Its gentle actuation force allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai boasts a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, creating a typing experience that emphasizes ease and comfort. This makes the Yunhai particularly appealing for those who prioritize a gentle, effortless feel when typing. Both switches cater to different experiences and priorities in mechanical keyboards; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Yunhai both utilize a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. As a result, both switches offer a similar auditory experience at the bottom of the key press, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound. The common use of nylon in the bottom housing connects these switches in terms of deep sound quality, allowing users to anticipate a comparable bottom-out experience when typing.
However, the materials used for the top housings present an interesting contrast between the two switches. The Dareu Sky POM features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is noted for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side but relatively muted. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai incorporates nylon for its top housing, similar to its bottom construction. While the nylon top housing will likely create an auditory experience that aligns with the deeper profiles, the POM top housing of the Sky POM introduces different qualities, allowing for a more nuanced sound when releasing the keystroke. This difference in top materials suggests that users may notice variations in the overall auditory feedback between the two switches during typing, particularly upon key release.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials influences how each switch performs in terms of sound and feel. The shared nylon bottom housing in both models contributes to a unified deep sound profile, while the differing top housings introduce variability in the auditory experience, particularly during key release. This layering of materials means that both switches can deliver a pleasing and full typing experience, but enthusiasts may favor one over the other based on their preference for the specific acoustic qualities imparted by POM versus nylon in the top housing. As a result, users can expect differing auditory nuances between the Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Yunhai, while enjoying a similar depth of sound from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Dareu Sky POM linear switch features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, making the Sky POM the lighter option overall. The bottom out force for the Sky POM is unfortunately unknown, whereas the Yunhai's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience that allows for extended usage, the Sky POM’s lower actuation force may be more appealing. Conversely, users who prefer a firmer feedback during typing may find the Yunhai’s higher actuation and bottom out forces more satisfying. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the final choice will depend on whether one favors lighter or heavier key presses for their typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Sky POM measures 3.8 mm, while the Yunhai has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Yunhai the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gaming. Conversely, the Sky POM’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a deeper sensation that some users find more satisfying. In this case, if responsiveness is a priority, the Yunhai would be the preferable choice, while the Sky POM caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced key travel.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a notable low-pitched clackiness, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be satisfying to a wide array of users. This aspect pairs well with the switch's engaging build, and the resulting auditory experience is characterized by a pronounced yet smooth output. Comparatively, while the sound characteristics of the TTC Yunhai switches are not specified, their deep, rounded sound profile suggests a softer auditory experience possibly reminiscent of deeper tones. However, the precise sound quality could vary considerably based on the type of keyboard and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch truly shines with its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations. Users can expect a seamless and fluid keystroke experience, where fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, ensuring minimal resistance when typing. This smoothness is likely a result of the POM material, which contributes to the distinct tactile experience. The TTC Yunhai switches, while having an unspecified feel in the provided information, are recognized for their incredibly light actuation force. This implies that they offer a gentle, effortless typing experience which might appeal to typists who prioritize a lightweight touch, although specifics on smoothness or texture are not detailed.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Sky POM and the TTC Yunhai switches cater to users looking for enjoyable typing experiences, with the Sky POM focusing on a smooth, clacky feel, while the Yunhai emphasizes a light touch and a deep sound profile. While the Sky POM offers clearly defined auditory and tactile qualities, the Yunhai's characteristics remain less documented. Ultimately, you may find that both switches can deliver satisfying results, particularly if sound and feel are tailored to your personal preferences and are influenced by the combination of the keyboard and keycap choices you make.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Sky POM linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a switch. If you are looking for an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sky POM is an excellent choice. Its combination of POM material and a low-pitched sound profile creates a satisfying keystroke that's both gentle and immersive. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a more premium feel at a reasonable price, making it great for long typing sessions or gaming where comfort and smoothness are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force that requires minimal effort while typing, the Yunhai is the way to go. With its deep round sound profile, it can provide a delightful auditory experience alongside a tactile feedback loop that some typists find rewarding. In essence, choose the Sky POM for its luxurious silkiness and clacky acoustics, while opting for the Yunhai if you want an effortlessly smooth keystroke that supports a light touch and rapid input. Your preferences in sound and feel will be the definitive factors in making the right decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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