KTT Ash Gray vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Snow, a linear switch. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both noticeable and satisfying without being too overwhelming. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a smooth linear switch that produces a deeper sound when typing. This makes it a preferred option for those who prefer a 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Snow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of the material. This creates a more clear and resonant sound overall. However, the Snow's POK top housing is known for its smoothness and durability, providing a clacky feel while also being exceptionally strong and wear-resistant. Both materials offer unique benefits to the switches they are used in, with polycarbonate showcasing its translucency for RGB lighting and POK delivering a smooth typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and Snow utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the top housing may influence the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and Dareu Snow offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences in typing experience. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and resonant sound, the Ash Gray stands out for its polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow's POK top housing offers smoothness and durability, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with RGB lighting possibilities or a smooth and clacky typing experience, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall user experience.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that the Ash Gray is lighter in terms of actuation force at 38 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams while the Snow needs 60 grams, making the Snow the heavier of the two. The Ash Gray provides a medium-light typing experience, perfect for those looking for a more effortless keystroke, while the Snow offers a medium resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Ash Gray being lighter and the Snow being heavier, catering to different preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ash Gray has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Ash Gray, being slightly longer, may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the key compared to the Snow. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so in practical terms, users can expect similar results in terms of key response and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral profile, which means it offers a moderate sound that can suit various scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound that provides a deep and rich auditory experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other components such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring light force to activate. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch provides a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback when pressed, giving the keys a lively feel and a sense of rebound.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a moderate sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feedback sensation, the Snow switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback with a light touch, the Ash Gray switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a deeper sound signature for a more immersive typing experience, the Snow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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