Gateron Beer vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider the different characteristics that each switch offers. For those seeking a tactile experience, the Gateron Beer switch may be the perfect choice. Reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its translucent green housing, the Beer switch is known for its lightness and stepped tactility, providing a unique typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more linear feel, the Dareu Snow switch, made with innovative POK material, offers a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Dareu Snow Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Beer and Dareu Snow differ in their housing materials, with the Beer featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Snow utilizes a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate used in the Beer creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POK material in the Snow contributes to smooth, clacky switches with exceptional durability and shock resistance. The nylon bottom housing of the Snow results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer, which creates a clearer and more resonant sound.

Despite their differences, both the Gateron Beer and Dareu Snow prioritize sound quality and durability in their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer and the POK top housing of the Snow both aim to create a pleasant typing experience with unique sound profiles. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Snow provides a softer feel and absorbs more sound, leading to a different overall typing experience compared to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.

In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Dareu Snow ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate and POK materials in the top housing of each switch contribute to their unique sound signatures, while the difference in bottom housing materials adds another layer to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with the Beer or a smoother, clacky feel with the Snow, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance of the switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and durability.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Snow is the heavier one with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Beer offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Snow provides a more substantial typing feel with a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Beer switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Snow switch, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of desired keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch presents a deep, thocky sound signature, resulting in a rich and satisfying typing noise that is low-pitched. Depending on personal preference, users may be drawn to the lively and clacky sound of the Beer switch or the deep and thocky sound of the Snow switch.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. The stepped tactility of this switch provides a more subtle tactile feel, giving users a unique typing experience with distinct stages of feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is characterized by its bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that results in keys with a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Users may appreciate the effortless typing and low-impact feel of the Beer switch, or prefer the energetic and bouncy feedback of the Snow switch.

Overall, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the Snow switch delivers a thocky sound and bouncy sensation during typing. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the sharp and bright clack of the Beer switch or the deep and satisfying thock of the Snow switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a thocky or neutral sound profile, the Snow switch may be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a stepped tactile feel, the Beer switch offers this unique experience, while the Snow switch provides a bouncy sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more