HMX Game1989 vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Snow offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep thocky sound, is part of the HMX Film switch series and delivers a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who value feedback and acoustic response in their typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch boasts an innovative POK material for its top housing and stem, providing a smooth typing experience that also produces a deeper sound signature. This makes the Snow switch appealing for users seeking a quieter yet still resonant feel. Both switches are classified under the linear category, ensuring a consistent keypress without tactile bumps. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Snow, several distinctions emerge, particularly with respect to the top housing. The HMX 1989 boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This is advantageous for users who favor a sound that is more resonant and pronounced, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate's translucency amplifies the lighting effects. In contrast, the Dareu Snow utilizes POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction. While POK provides durability and wear resistance—surpassing other materials like POM and Nylon—the resulting acoustics differ from those of polycarbonate. Thus, while both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, their sound profiles and tactile feedback vary significantly.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a shared characteristic in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound better than stiffer plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As a classic choice for switch housing, nylon’s inherent qualities provide a rounded tone that contrasts with the more articulate sound produced by the polycarbonate or POK top housings. This means that regardless of the differences in the top materials, both the HMX 1989 and the Dareu Snow will deliver a similar bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom. This shared bottom housing can help compensate for the contrasting upper profiles, allowing for an overall cohesive sound experience.
While the HMX 1989 and Dareu Snow differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POK—their nylon bottoms unify them in a way that both accentuates and balances their acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the 1989 creates a brighter sound when releasing the key, whereas the POK of the Snow focuses on smoothness and durability without fully embracing the crispness of polycarbonate. In this way, the interaction of materials between the top and bottom housings determines the overall sound and tactile experience, ensuring that users get a harmonic blend of auditory and material properties. Consequently, even with distinct top housings, the commonality of the nylon bottom allows for harmonious typing experiences, albeit with distinct nuances that reflect the separate upper materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This variation indicates that typists who prefer a lighter experience for extended typing sessions may favor the HMX 1989, while those seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Dareu Snow. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the lighter switch, providing a gentler push, while the Dareu Snow delivers a heavier, more resistant typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the HMX 1989 offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow features a shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users of the HMX 1989 will experience a deeper keypress, which can provide a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Dareu Snow is favored by gamers who appreciate quicker responsiveness and faster actuation times. While the HMX 1989 might appeal to those who prefer a more significant tactile depth, the Dareu Snow aligns with the trends of shorter keypresses, catering to users who find abruptness more desirable for speedy input. Therefore, individuals' preferences will determine which switch is more suitable for their needs, as one offers a more traditional feel while the other enhances responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 HMX 1989 switch is celebrated for its deep and thocky acoustic profile, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts crave. This pronounced sound can create a more immersive typing experience, reminiscent of classic thocky switches that deliver a rich thud or soft knock upon actuation. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch also offers a deeper sound signature but balances this with a neutral aspect, making it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. The combination of thocky notes with a moderate sound profile provides an intriguing auditory experience, allowing for enjoyment without stark distractions.
In terms of feel, the 1989 switch is particularly renowned for its smooth linear feedback, promoting a seamless keypress experience. While the specific details of its tactile sensations aren’t provided, it is typically aligned with the expectations of linear switches that facilitate uninterrupted typing. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its bouncy feel, creating an elastic and spring-like sensation during use. This bounciness adds a layer of lively response, contributing to a more dynamic feedback upon keypress that some users may find appealing, especially during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the HMX 1989 and Dareu Snow linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The 1989 offers a thocky auditory experience coupled with smooth action for those who prioritize a rich sound profile, while the Snow combines deep sound with a bouncy tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, either switch could result in a satisfying feel and auditory feedback, ensuring a rewarding typing experience that is engaging in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you desire a light and responsive typing experience with a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 is an excellent option. It excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch at 60 grams and enjoy a bouncy feedback that offers a lively, spring-like sensation, the Dareu Snow switch would be more suitable for you. Additionally, the innovative use of POK material in the Snow switch not only enhances its durability but also contributes to its deeper sound signature, making it a solid choice for a balanced typing experience whether at home or in a public setting. In summary, choose the HMX 1989 for responsiveness and thocky acoustics in gaming scenarios, and opt for the Dareu Snow for a firmer feel and a more subdued sound profile that works well in various environments.
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