Huano Elf vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Huano Elf and Dareu Snow present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Huano Elf switch is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and provides a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light actuation force, resulting in a particularly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, offering a smooth typing experience characterized by a deeper sound signature as well. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Snow switch appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences in acoustics and feel, making them suitable for different typing styles and requirements. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Dareu Snow switches, the similarities become immediately apparent. Both models utilize POK (polyketone) material for their top housing, which is widely recognized for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a comparable level of smoothness to LY, making it suitable for high-performance switches. Furthermore, POK’s impressive wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and superior shock resistance, exceeding that of Nylon and POM, consistently contribute to a user experience characterized by smooth, clacky, and incredibly durable performance in both switch models. This shared choice of material for the top housing ultimately results in similar tactile sensations and sound profiles upon key release, enhancing the overall switching experience in both cases.
The bottom housings of the Huano Elf and Dareu Snow switches also exhibit a uniformity in their material composition, as both utilize Nylon. Known as a classic choice for switch housing, Nylon effectively creates a deep and full sound profile during typing. Its relatively softer plastic nature allows it to absorb sound more than harder plastics, yielding a rounder and more muted acoustic quality. This shared characteristic enhances the auditory experience, regardless of whether one is using the Elf or the Snow. The use of Nylon in the bottom housing of both switches means that users can expect consistency in feel and sound when bottoming out, linking the two models through this shared material impact.
Overall, while both the Huano Elf and the Dareu Snow switches may have distinct branding and design elements, the similarities in their housing materials result in a comparable typing experience. With both employing POK for the top and Nylon for the bottom, users can anticipate not just consistent performance, but also a harmonious blend of smoothness and sound quality. The combination of POK and Nylon ensures that both models provide an enjoyable and reliable user experience, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific feel and acoustic signature.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a firmer feedback that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Snow switch is measured at 60 grams, indicating that it requires significantly more pressure to fully bottom out compared to the Elf, for which this information is not available. As a result, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Elf is generally more suitable for those who favor lighter switches, while the Snow appeals to those looking for a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Elf measures 3.6 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm indicates that the Elf provides a more pronounced tactile experience due to its longer travel distance, which some users might prefer for a more gradual, traditional feel. In contrast, the Snow's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and rapid key actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice, while the Huano Elf caters to those who appreciate a deeper keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is often characterized by its deep sound signature, which provides a pleasant auditory experience while typing. The use of POK material in the top housing enhances the acoustics, allowing for a satisfying and resonant tone when the keys are pressed. In comparison, the Dareu Snow switch also delivers a deep sound signature, complemented by a thocky quality that produces a rich and full note upon actuation. This switch's low-pitched sound contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for various environments, whether casual or professional. Both switches can offer a satisfying auditory experience, but the Snow’s thocky quality may provide a slightly more substantial acoustic presence.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, allowing for an overall comfortable and satisfying typing experience. The keystrokes provide a smoothly linear action without tactile feedback, which some typists may prefer for velocity and flow. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch is noted for its bouncy feel, giving typists a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively rebound upon actuation. This can create an engaging and dynamic typing experience where each key press feels responsive and energetic. While the Elf focuses on a lighter and straightforward linear feel, the Snow introduces an element of playful elasticity that can enhance the overall typing interaction.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and Dareu Snow linear switches share a foundation of deep sound characteristics and smooth linear action, they each bring unique qualities to the table. The Elf emphasizes a pleasing auditory experience without the extra bounce, making it ideal for those seeking a classic linear typing feel. On the other hand, the Snow's thocky sound and bouncy response create a more vibrant and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel, as both can deliver enjoyable results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Huano Elf linear switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should think about your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a medium-light feel with an emphasis on acoustics, the Elf may be the more suitable option, especially for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without a heavy bottom-out force. It’s an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where feedback and sound play significant roles but technical specifications are less of a concern. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a bouncy feel with a medium resistance, along with a deeper, thocky sound, the Snow switch should be your go-to. Its 60-gram bottom-out force adds more stability and can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for environments where sound is important yet not overly disruptive. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics, so your choice should align with your preferences for acoustics, tactile feedback, and overall comfort.
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