Kailh Box White vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Dareu Snow offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box White switch is a clicky switch popular for its maximal audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accentuated tactility. On the other hand, the Snow switch features a unique use of POK material for a smoother linear feel, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, the Snow switch is characterized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, the Box White may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer smoother and quieter keystrokes, the Dareu Snow switch might be more suited to your preferences. In the end, to make the best decision for your typing needs, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Dareu Snow, we can see that both switches have polycarbonate top housings. The Box White's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile while the Snow's POK material contributes to smooth and clacky switches. Both materials are durable and offer unique sound profiles, with the Box White emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the Snow focuses on smoothness and durability. Despite these differences, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that both switches are ideal for RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, the Box White and the Snow share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile produced by the bottom housing material. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, contributing to a satisfying sound and feel when typing on the switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Dareu Snow differ slightly in terms of top housing materials, they both offer a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housings. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Snow's POK material focuses on smoothness and durability. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying sound and feel when typing, making them both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch are identical, with both requiring 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. In terms of weight, both switches fall in the medium category, providing a balance between a light press for extended typing sessions and a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to factors beyond actuation and bottom out force, such as clickiness, sound, and overall feel during use.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in modern keyboards. So, if you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Snow switch may be the better option, but if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Box White switch would be the choice for you.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched typing experience, reminiscent of crunching autumn leaves underfoot. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a deeper sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched tone, offering a more subdued typing experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Box White delivering a more crisp and sharp auditory feedback, while the Snow switch provides a deep and satisfying sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and lively feel with rebound when pressed. The decision between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a more polished and sleek typing experience with the Box White, or a bouncier and more tactile feel with the Snow switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best suited for those seeking maximum audio feedback with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature with a thocky and low-pitched tone, coupled with a bouncy and lively typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prefer the sound of the Box White, but enjoy the feel of the Snow switch, you can achieve similar results by customizing your keyboard setup with different keycaps and sound-dampening materials.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. Choose the Box White if you enjoy a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile along with a polished feel for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Snow if you prefer a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy feel that provides a spring-like feedback sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how these characteristics align with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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