HMX FJ400 vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX FJ400 and the Dareu Snow are two compelling options within the linear switch category, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different typing experiences. The FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, positioning itself as the middle ground in the HMX Film switch lineup, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a harmonious typing experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch shines through its innovative POK material, known for offering a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel, which can enhance the tactile satisfaction during long typing sessions. While both switches provide smooth linear action, the FJ400 caters to those seeking neutrality and balance, while the Snow appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback combined with a rich sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

HMX FJ400 Linear

Dareu Snow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX FJ400 and the Dareu Snow feature different materials for their top housing, leading to distinct sonic characteristics. The FJ400 utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a unique, deeper sound profile that is relatively muted. In contrast, the Snow's top housing is made from POK (polyketone), a material celebrated for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. While POM tends to create a certain pleasantness in sound, POK contributes to switches that are not only smooth but also clacky. Thus, while both switches may deliver an enriching auditory experience, the tonal qualities and responsiveness vary due to the inherent attributes of their respective top housing materials.

When looking at their bottom housings, both the FJ400 and the Snow share common ground with the use of nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory profile during typing. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the similarity in the bottom housing effectively aligns the sound characteristics of both switches in terms of their overall depth and roundness. The nylon contributes to a muted sound, enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches, making them comparably resonant when it comes to the typing experience.

Overall, the combination of POM and nylon in the FJ400 contrasts with the POK and nylon combination found in the Dareu Snow. Although they feature different materials in their top housings—with POM creating a softer tone and POK presenting a smooth yet clacky response—both bottom housings utilize nylon, lending a consistency to the sound profile. As a result, users can expect a similarly fulsome sound from both switches when typing, with the nuances of the top housing influencing the clarity and character of the sound upon release. Hence, while distinct in composition, the FJ400 and Snow can indeed produce similar auditory outcomes through their effective mix of materials.

Weight

The HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch have identical actuation forces of 50 grams, meaning both switches require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke, providing a similar typing experience in this regard. However, the distinction arises in their bottom out forces; the FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Snow has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference indicates that the Snow switch offers a slightly firmer feel when pressed down fully, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches feature an actuation force categorized as medium, the Snow switch is marginally heavier overall due to its increased bottom out force compared to the FJ400. This slight difference may influence choice based on individual preferences for typing or gaming sessions, with the FJ400 offering a lighter feel and the Snow providing a heavier, more pronounced feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The FJ400 features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the FJ400 the longer option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress that provides a deeper feel, potentially enhancing typing comfort for those who dislike the abruptness of shorter switches. In contrast, the Snow's 3.3 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, capitalizing on the trend toward shorter distances for enhanced performance. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice, while the HMX FJ400 is suited for those who value a more traditional depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX FJ400 switch offers a balanced audio profile that strikes a middle ground, making it versatile for both casual and more focused typing environments. This means that while it doesn’t stand out dramatically in either direction, it provides a satisfactory experience that won’t disturb those around you too much. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a distinctly deeper sound signature attributed to its innovative POK material construction. With its thocky quality, the Snow produces a rich and satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress, akin to a deep "thud” or soft "knock," which can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response while typing.

Regarding the feel, the FJ400's characteristics are left unspecified; however, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This lively and responsive feel allows typists to experience a delightful rebound with each keystroke, which can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. A well-tuned bounce can contribute positively to typing speed and accuracy, making the Snow switch particularly appealing for gamers and fast typists.

In summary, while the HMX FJ400 provides a balanced sound profile suitable for various environments, the Dareu Snow switch excels with its deeper, thocky sound and bouncy feel, providing a more engaging auditory and tactile experience. Your choice between these two options will likely depend on whether you prioritize a balanced sound experience or the deeper, richer tones coupled with a lively typing feel. Given their distinct qualities, you can expect that each switch will cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider what aspects are most important to your typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force, the FJ400 is an excellent option. It is versatile enough for both typing and gaming, making it suitable for a wide range of activities without overwhelming you with noise. However, if you desire a more distinctive auditory experience and a livelier typing feel, the Dareu Snow switch may be the better choice for you. Its thocky sound profile delivers a satisfying acoustic feedback, complemented by a bouncy feel that provides an enjoyable rebound when typing. This makes it particularly appealing for users who appreciate a deeper sound signature and a dynamic typing experience. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s sound, feel, or the intended application—to make the best decision between these two engaging linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more