TTC Gold Brown vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown 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 and the Dareu Snow offer distinct characteristics to suit different preferences. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced nature, featuring a gentle bump and a moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material for a smoother linear switch and a deeper sound signature during typing. While the Gold Brown leans towards a softer and more rounded sound profile, the Snow offers a thocky and bouncy feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Snow switches offer distinct advantages and characteristics. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Snow's POK top housing offers a smoother and more durable experience. Both materials have their unique benefits, with polycarbonate catering to RGB lighting needs and POK excelling in wear and shock resistance. However, they both contribute to enhancing the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown and Dareu Snow switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. Whether typing on the Gold Brown or the Snow, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, thanks to the common use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown and Dareu Snow switches may differ in their top housing materials, both switches offer a solid typing experience with their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance in sound, while the Snow's POK top housing focuses on smoothness and durability. Despite their unique characteristics, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users of either switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch are somewhat similar, with the Gold Brown being slightly heavier. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both fall into the medium range of force. The lighter actuation force of the Snow may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Gold Brown may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and desired level of force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Dareu Snow linear switch. This means that the Gold Brown switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Snow switch. If you prefer a switch with a bit more travel distance for a more substantial feeling while typing or gaming, the Gold Brown switch would be the better option. On the other hand, the Snow switch provides a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for quick and precise key presses. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more balanced and rounded sound profile, with a slight bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its deeper and thocky sound signature, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its construction. Both switches fall under the category of neutral in terms of sound, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is characterized by its mild and buttery typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. The switch also has an accented and polished quality, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. In comparison, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to your keystrokes. This bouncy feel may appeal to users who prefer a more vibrant typing experience. Again, the decision between the two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and desired tactile feedback.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and Dareu Snow linear switch both have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile and a mild, buttery feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its deeper thocky sound signature and bouncy feel, providing a more lively typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced typing experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deep sound signature and bouncy feedback, then the Snow switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels more comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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