Gateron Glory Red vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Snow present two enticing options for enthusiasts who appreciate linear switches. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lightweight feel and smooth keystroke, offers a delightful typing experience with an optimal travel distance that many find appealing for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow captures attention with its innovative POK material, delivering a unique thocky sound signature that sets it apart while still maintaining a smooth linear action. This switch is celebrated for its deeper, more neutral auditory feedback, which can create a satisfying tactile experience for users who prioritize sound alongside performance. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear typing experiences, their distinctive characteristics play differently into user preferences. 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
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Snow switches, notable differences arise in their top materials, creating distinct acoustic and tactile experiences. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent characteristics of nylon, being a relatively softer material, allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory sensation. This makes the typing experience on Gateron Glory Redd switches feel rich and grounded. In contrast, the Dareu Snow employs a POK top housing, a polyketone material that offers a significantly smoother typing experience. Although POK has a slightly higher coefficient of friction than nylon, its durability and ability to produce a clacky sound profile stand out. This difference in top housing materials contributes to varying feedback styles—while the Glory Red provides a warmer experience, the Snow’s POK promotes a brighter, more responsive key actuation.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Snow switches align, as they both use nylon as the material for the bottom housing. This commonality contributes to similar acoustic characteristics in terms of depth and fullness when bottoming out the switches. Both switches will produce that cushioned and dampened bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall experience of typing and minimizing sharp tones. This consistency in bottom housing material means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users will still derive a similar tactile response when pressing down on the keys. The similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing create a unique synergy by balancing the contrasting qualities of the top housings.
Ultimately, while the differences in top materials between the Gateron Glory Red and Dareu Snow switches lead to distinct auditory experiences, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing helps maintain a baseline of familiarity in the typing experience. The deeper sound profile from the nylon bottom in the Glory Red complements the warmer sounds evoked by its top housing, while in the Snow, the contrasting top housing sound is moderated by the nylon bottom, ensuring a satisfying keystroke. Therefore, users may find a balance between rich sound and response during typing, where the nuances of each switch’s top housing become apparent while the consistent qualities of the nylon bottom unify the overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Red requires 45 grams of force to actuate, making it the lighter option, while the Snow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, leaning towards a heavier feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Glory Red switch does not have this measure available, while the Dareu Snow's bottom out force is reported to be 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance at the end of the keystroke. The lighter actuation force of the Glory Red might appeal to users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the Dareu Snow’s higher actuation and defined bottom out force suggest a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Gateron Glory Red is easier to press, making it suitable for prolonged use, whereas the Dareu Snow offers a firmer touch for more deliberate typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Glory Red switch allows for a deeper keypress compared to the Snow, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Snow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and more immediate feedback from their key presses. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more pronounced feeling in their keypress might opt for the Gateron Glory Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a balanced acoustic profile, leaning towards a neutral tone that would suit various environments and preferences. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch boasts a more pronounced and deeper sound signature, characterized as thocky. This results in a rich and satisfying auditory experience with a deeper "thud" or a softer "knock" when pressed, giving the Snow an edge for those who prefer a fuller sound while typing. It's essential to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap selection, meaning that each switch could interact differently based on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red linear switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke, providing a pleasant travel distance which enhances the typing experience, although exact details on its tactile feedback are not presented. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch features a bouncy quality that gives users a spring-like sensation while typing. The lively feedback from the Snow helps to enhance the overall typing rhythm, making it feel more dynamic as opposed to the more straightforward, albeit smooth, operation of the Glory Red. The difference in tactile response may appeal to different user preferences, with some favoring the elasticity of the Snow while others might appreciate the straightforwardness of the Glory Red.
Overall, while both switches offer unique characteristics, they cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Gateron Glory Red provides a more neutral auditory experience with a smooth typing action, making it accessible to a broad audience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow's thocky sound and bouncy feel may appeal particularly to enthusiasts looking for a richer acoustic experience and a more vibrant typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences for auditory feedback and typing dynamics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Dareu Snow linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth keystroke and lighter actuation, the Glory Red might be the better option for you. Its enjoyable travel distance makes it ideal for typing at length, providing a satisfying experience, especially for those who might be new to mechanical keyboards. However, if you prefer a switch that delivers a more substantial feel and a thocky sound signature, the Snow switch stands out with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a bouncier typing experience and a richer auditory feedback. Additionally, the POK material used in the Snow enhances its sturdy feel while producing a deeper sound that some may find more satisfying during both gaming and typing tasks. Ultimately, consider your sensitivity to sound, the force you prefer in your keystrokes, and how you intend to use your keyboard to make the best choice between these two options.
Mentioned in this article
