TTC Brother vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight nature, featuring a breezy actuation of just 37g, making it easy to press and providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature beloved by clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow utilizes innovative POK material for a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound profile. While the Brother offers a tactile bump and clear feedback, the Snow delivers a low-pitched and bouncy keystroke. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Dareu Snow, both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile in both switches. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing is specifically noted for its ability to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Snow's POK top housing is praised for its smoothness and durability. Despite some differences in how they are described, both contribute to a crisp sound profile overall.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the TTC Brother and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent characteristics. This results in a more dull and round sound compared to harder plastics. The utilization of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, although differences in the overall design and construction may still lead to subtle variations in the typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the TTC Brother and the Dareu Snow differ in material, the qualities they bring to the switch complement each other to create a unique typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is balanced by the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material between the two switches, both utilize a combination of materials that enhance the overall sound profile and durability, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Brother clicky switch is lighter at 37 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch at 50 grams, making the Brother easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Snow switch is heavier at 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. For those who like a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Brother switch would be more suitable. If both the actuation force and bottom out force are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times. The Brother switch is slightly longer than the Snow switch, but the difference of 0.2 mm is negligible in practical terms. Both switches would offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Brother switch being marginally longer. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style would play a bigger role in determining which switch is preferred over the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy sound signature that is characteristic of clicky switches, providing a satisfyingly crisp and precise click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature, with a thocky tone that produces a rich and satisfying sound when typing. While the Brother switch leans towards a more traditional clicky sound, the Snow switch introduces a unique auditory experience with its use of POK material for a different type of typing acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force of just 37g that makes typing effortless and comfortable. The tactile feedback of the Brother switch is described as stepped, providing a distinct bump that is noticeable but not overpowering. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, giving a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to the typing experience. The Snow switch may appeal to those who prefer a more rebounding feel compared to the smoother actuation of the Brother switch.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a lightweight, tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper, thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel that may cater to users seeking a different type of typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences. If you enjoy one, you may find similar enjoyment in the other, as they both deliver standout features within their respective switch types.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the characteristics that best align with your preferences and typing style. If you are a fan of clicky switches and enjoy a lightweight actuation with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear feel with a moderate 60-gram bottom out force and a deeper sound profile, the Dareu Snow switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with audible feedback or a smoother, more linear keystroke. Select the switch that enhances your typing comfort and efficiency to elevate your overall typing experience.
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