Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky POM offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box Royal is a tactile switch renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, making it perfect for those seeking an almost aggressive tactile feedback. With a relatively higher pitched sound profile, these switches are best suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out as a linear switch crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. Known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch provides a buttery, low-pitched typing experience. While the Box Royal excels in sharp tactility, the Sky POM offers a smoother, quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky POM switches both utilize nylon in their top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The absorption properties of nylon create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, giving a unique typing experience. However, the Dareu Sky POM switch takes it a step further with its POM top housing, producing a sound profile that is even more muted and deep. While both switches use nylon in their bottom housing, the impact of this material is primarily felt in the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a consistent typing experience across both switches.
In terms of design, the Kailh Box Royal switch maintains a classic switch housing material with its nylon bottom housing, bringing out a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, emphasizing the softer plastic's sound absorption qualities. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience due to the similar utilization of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky POM switches showcase the versatility and impact of different housing materials on the typing sound and feel. While both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out with its POM top housing, creating a more muted and unique sound experience. The nylon housing in the Box Royal switch results in a classic typing feel, while the Dareu Sky POM switch offers a slightly different aesthetic with its POM top housing. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams for bottoming out, while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. The Box Royal can be considered medium-heavy in terms of force required, while the Sky POM's force is undetermined. Considering weight preferences, the Box Royal may suit those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, perfect for individuals seeking a strong push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern keyboard switches, with the Box Royal being on the shorter end and the Sky POM being on the longer end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sky POM. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may be subtle but can still have an impact on the feel and performance of the keyboard.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Royal switch offers a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch has a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Box Royal catering to those who prefer a sharper sound and the Sky POM appealing to those who enjoy a deeper, more mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the accompanying setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, featuring a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels seamless and effortless. While the Box Royal focuses on delivering a highly pronounced tactile sensation, the Sky POM prioritizes a smoother and more uniform typing feel. Again, the decision between the two switches would come down to individual preference for either a more intense tactile feedback or a smoother keystroke experience.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Sky POM switches offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a sharp, high-pitched sound with aggressive tactility, whereas the Sky POM delivers a clacky, low-pitched sound with a smooth, buttery feel. Both switches excel in their respective areas and cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether the user values a sharper sound and intense tactility or a smoother, more uniform typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy sharp, binary tactility with a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specific bottom out force and prefer a clacky sound profile with a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel. So, weigh your options carefully and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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