KTT Darling vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, the KTT Darling and the Dareu Snow are two options that stand out. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is praised for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that adds a satisfying touch to every keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch utilizes POK material for a smooth linear feel and a deeper sound signature. While the Darling is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound, the Snow switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in terms of tactile and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 KTT Darling and the Dareu Snow both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Snow's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable switch experience. Both materials have their strengths - polycarbonate is known for its clear and resonant sound, while POK is highly resistant to wear and shock. However, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with polycarbonate producing a crisper sound and POK delivering a clacky typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Darling and the Snow feature nylon materials. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This means that both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics in their bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches, adding to the depth and resonance of the keystrokes.
While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Darling and the Dareu Snow may differ, each housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material between the two switches, both the Darling and the Snow offer unique typing experiences that cater to various preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Darling requiring 53 grams and the Snow needing 60 grams. The Darling switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions that require a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Snow switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear 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 range of shorter travel distances, with the Darling having a slightly longer distance than the Snow. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Snow with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Darling. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, creating a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The resonant nature of the Darling adds to the overall immersive auditory experience, making each keystroke engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound profile, known for its thocky and low-pitched sound when typing. While the Darling excels in delivering a crisp and bright sound, the Snow provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, catering to different sound preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Darling and Dareu Snow linear switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. This means that users can expect a lively feel with rebound when pressing down on the keys. The bouncy nature of these switches adds to the overall typing experience, making each keystroke responsive and satisfying.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles for users to choose from. While the Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness, the Snow stands out for its innovative use of POK material and deep sound signature. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their bouncy feel, catering to different preferences in sound and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prefer a typing experience that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Darling switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and a moderate actuation force, then the Snow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing sensation, sound profile, and overall feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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