TTC Flame Red vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both known for their linear feel, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Flame Red is admired for its stunning visual appeal, especially with its radiant light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. While the Flame Red is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Snow falls under 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. 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
54g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Snow, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Snow utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is incredibly smooth, clacky, and durable. While both materials offer unique benefits, the POK material in the Snow stands out for its exceptional durability and wear resistance, making it a top choice for many users.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, we find that both the Flame Red and the Snow use nylon material. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This consistency in material for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. However, it's important to note that the differences in the top housing material between the Flame Red and the Snow may still result in varying nuances in sound upon key press or release.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Flame Red and the Dareu Snow plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housing, the use of POK material in the Snow's top housing sets it apart with its exceptional smoothness and durability. Users looking for a more clacky and durable typing experience may lean towards the Snow, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile may prefer the Flame Red. Regardless, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red and Dareu Snow linear switches both offer a smooth typing experience, but there are key differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams to fully press a key, while the Snow needs 60 grams, providing a slightly firmer typing experience. Overall, the Flame Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended periods of use. However, those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience may find the Dareu Snow more to their liking. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the slight differences in force can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow. The 4 mm travel distance of the Flame Red is more traditional, providing a hearty depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Snow is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize faster response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for switch feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether beginner or advanced, for both home and work environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying, making it stand out with a unique sound signature. The choice between these switches would depend on whether you prefer a more neutral sound (Flame Red) or a deep and bass-heavy sound (Snow), keeping in mind that other factors such as keycaps and keyboard build also play a role in the final sound outcome.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch provides a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. The decision between these switches would depend on whether you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience (Flame Red) or a more elastic and energetic typing feel (Snow) that provides a bounce-back sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing feel, making it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound along with a bouncy typing feel, offering a unique and lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and potentially visual appeal, which includes the Flame Red's impressive light diffuser for backlit keyboards. Whichever option you choose, both switches offer quality and performance that will enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a visually striking switch with a smooth and clacky typing experience, the TTC Flame Red linear switch with its light diffuser and medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams would be the ideal choice, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a switch made with innovative POK material for a unique typing experience, the Dareu Snow linear switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams would be perfect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize visual aesthetics and smoothness (Flame Red) or sound quality and unique materials (Snow) in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
