Kailh Box Navy vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Dareu Snow offer two distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the satisfying sound and feel of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative POK material construction, providing a smoother and deeper sound signature for a more comfortable 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Snow differ in their top housing material. While the Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Snow's POK top housing offers a smooth and clacky typing experience. Polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas POK material is highly durable, with wear resistance surpassing materials like POM and shock resistance exceeding Nylon and POM. Both materials have their unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate delivering a clear and resonant sound and POK providing smooth and durable switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Snow feature nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, enhancing the overall typing sound experience. Despite sharing the same material for their bottom housing, each switch still offers a distinct typing feel and sound due to other factors like the top housing material and design.
Overall, the different housing materials used in the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Snow contribute to their unique typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Navy's top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound profile, whereas POK material in the Snow's top housing results in a smooth and clacky typing feel. Both switches share nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing sound by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharp and resonant sound or a smooth and durable typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and durability.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams, making it heavier than the Snow switch which only requires 60 grams to bottom out. This means that the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Snow switch offers a lighter touch for typing for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some preferring the heavier actuation force of the Box Navy for a more solid typing experience, while others may opt for the lighter actuation force of the Snow switch for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, indicating that they are designed to provide a quick and responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances for faster response times. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Navy to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience that is reminiscent of classic buckling spring keyboards from the past. You can expect a high-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp tone that truly immerses you in the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deeper and more bass-heavy. The use of POK material in the Snow switch contributes to its unique sound signature, giving you a satisfying "thud" or "knock" with each key press. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy emphasizing crispness and the Snow focusing on depth.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The strong tactile bump provides intense feedback with each key press, offering a snappy and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feel that gives you rebound when typing. While the Box Navy switch emphasizes a firm and pronounced tactile experience, the Snow switch offers a more elastic and responsive feel that may suit those looking for a lighter touch. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience in different ways.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch provide distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Box Navy excels in offering a resonant and crunchy sound with sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, perfect for those seeking a heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched sound, paired with a bouncy and lively feel that adds a unique touch to typing sessions. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options that will elevate your typing experience to a new level.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and Dareu Snow linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a loud and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a deeper thocky sound and a bouncy feel, then the Dareu Snow linear switches would be more suitable for you. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel described for each switch to make an informed decision on which one best suits your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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