TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Snow offer two distinct experiences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that caters to those who appreciate subtle feedback, with a gentle bump that allows for a quiet and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a smooth typing experience with a deeper sound signature. If you prefer a more understated tactile feel, the Gold Brown Pro may be the switch for you, whereas the Snow's innovative materials and bouncy feel might appeal to those looking for a unique linear switch option. 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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Snow, both switches have a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POK top housing of the Snow is known for its smooth and durable qualities, with unmatched wear resistance and shock resistance. Despite both being polycarbonate, the Gold Brown Pro emphasizes sound profile, while the Snow prioritizes durability and smoothness.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Snow utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound thanks to the nylon bottom housing. This shared material choice contributes to a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, showcasing the versatility and reliability of nylon as a switch housing material.
While both switches share the use of nylon bottom housing, the differentiation lies in their top housing materials. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Snow's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability. This contrast in top housing materials results in a distinct typing experience, with the Gold Brown Pro emphasizing sound quality and the Snow focusing on durability and smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Dareu Snow comes down to personal preference based on the desired sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile 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 an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare them in terms of how much force is needed to fully depress the key. However, based on the actuation force alone, the Gold Brown Pro would feel lighter to the touch compared to the Snow. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Snow for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer than the Dareu Snow linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Snow, making it a good choice for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Snow provides a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch are described as having a thocky sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. Additionally, they both offer a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. While the Gold Brown Pro is also noted for its low-pitched sound, the Snow switch stands out with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like sensation with lively key presses. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on a nuanced and subtle typing feel, the Snow switch provides a more dynamic and responsive touch, giving users a different tactile experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle and refined typing experience with a subdued sound profile, perfect for those who seek a background tactile presence. Conversely, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative POK material construction and bouncy feel, offering a deeper sound signature with lively key presses. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a personalized typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preference for feedback and sound. If you value a subtle tactile experience with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. Its polished, silky feel and nuanced feedback make it ideal for those who want a refined typing experience without any distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a bouncy, lively feel, the Snow switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle tactile bump or a smoother linear feel, and whether you prefer a subdued or deeper sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
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