Kailh Box White V2 vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options emerge: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Snow. The Kailh Box White V2, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and pronounced audible click, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a more pronounced response during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Snow offers a smooth, linear experience characterized by its unique POK material, which results in a deeper sound signature that resonates with users who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. While the Box White V2 excels in delivering sensory satisfaction through distinct auditory and tactile cues, the Snow switch is favored for its bouncy, neutral feel and low-pitched sound, appealing to those who value stealth and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Snow showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound and performance profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiff nature and translucency. This unique property enhances the switch's sound profile, resulting in sharper, higher-pitched tones that resonate more clearly, particularly when RGB lighting is employed. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow utilizes a POK top housing. While both materials boast high strength and durability, POK's friction coefficient of 0.04 makes for a notably smooth typing experience, although it does lend a more clacky sound quality compared to the Box White V2's crisper resonance. Hence, while both switches aim for quality and performance, the differences in their top housing materials significantly influence their auditory experience and tactile response.
Moreover, the bottom housing for both switches is made of nylon, a classic switch material favored for its acoustic properties. This commonality means that both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Snow will exhibit a richer, fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a more rounded auditory output. In both cases, this softer plastic contributes to the overall feel when typing, with the nylon bottom housing dampening clicks and providing a solid, deep bottom-out experience. As such, while the top housings are different, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing serves to harmonize and unify the sound signature of both switches, making them feel comparable despite their unique top housings.
In summary, the contrasting materials used in the top housing of the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Snow contribute to their distinct sound profiles, while the identical nylon bottom housing aligns their auditory experiences. The polycarbonate of the Box White V2 produces a clearer, more resonant sound compared to the clackiness of the POK housing in the Snow. Nonetheless, the nylon's soft absorption characteristics ensure both switches manifest a deep and well-rounded sound profile upon bottoming out. Therefore, despite their differences, users can still enjoy a fulfilling typing experience across both models, characterized by the smoothness and durability offered by their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Dareu Snow switch present a notable contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push. Thus, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the Dareu Snow is heavier. This difference in weight means users of the Box White V2 might find it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue, while those using the Snow switch might appreciate the tactile response that a heavier force can provide.
Travel distance
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Snow features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference suggests that the Kailh Box White V2 provides a deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow's shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times, making it a better choice for gamers seeking quick action. Ultimately, if you desire a more pronounced tactile experience, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better option; for those who favor rapid keystrokes, the Dareu Snow is preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 sounds distinctly crisp and sharp, characterized by its prominent audible click that serves as a bit of auditory feedback for each keypress. This clicky sound can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate that classic mechanical keyboard experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a deeper sound signature, often described as thocky. This means that when typing, you’ll encounter a rich and full sound, reminiscent of a soft "thud" or a low-pitched "knock." The combination of its POK material contributes to an overall bass-heavy tone that feels more substantial than the high-pitched click of the Box White V2.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a notable tactile feedback with a defined actuation point, making it a responsive option for typists who enjoy feeling the moment they trigger a key. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is characterized by its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like response that allows for an elastic sensation as you type. This buoyancy gives the user a lively experience, providing a different type of engagement that can be quite enjoyable for long typing sessions. While both switches cater to different preferences—tactility versus smoothness—they deliver their unique sensations effectively.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Dareu Snow switches represent two ends of the mechanical switch spectrum. The Box White V2 excels with its sharp, clicky sound and tactile feel, catering to those who enjoy audible feedback and a defined actuation. Conversely, the Dareu Snow achieves a richer, deeper sound and a bouncy, smooth typing experience, making it a wonderful choice for users who favor linear switches. Ultimately, each switch has its own distinct qualities, making your choice largely dependent on whether you prefer the satisfying click of the Box White V2 or the smooth, resonant thock of the Snow switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced auditory experience while typing, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and crisp clicky sound, it's perfect for those who enjoy the engaging sensation of each keystroke, making it a great choice for writing or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a deeper sound profile, the Dareu Snow switch is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, combined with its bouncy feel and thocky sound, makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially in environments where minimizing noise is essential. Ultimately, consider how these factors align with your typing habits and preferences to make the right choice that enhances your keyboard experience.
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