TTC Gold Red vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red and Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a linear typing experience but with their own unique characteristics. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing feel with a light to medium level of resistance, combined with a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, providing a deeper sound signature while maintaining a smooth linear feel. Both switches offer a 'Thocky' and 'Neutral' typing experience, but the Gold Red leans towards being 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', while the Snow is described as '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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches. On the other hand, the Snow incorporates POK material for its top housing, which is highly regarded for its smoothness and durability. While both materials have their unique characteristics, they both contribute to the overall performance and feel of the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Snow opt for nylon material. Nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer texture that absorbs sound vibrations. This choice of material enhances the typing experience by providing a more subdued and rounded sound upon bottoming out the keys. With both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gold Red and the Snow differ in material, their characteristics ultimately complement each other to deliver a well-rounded typing experience. The qualities brought by each housing material, whether it be the crispness of polycarbonate in the top housing or the depth of sound from nylon in the bottom housing, work together to create a harmonious balance in the switches. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile from polycarbonate or a smoother, clackier typing experience from POK, both the Gold Red and the Snow offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch's 50 grams, making the Gold Red easier to trigger keystrokes with. Both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Gold Red requiring 50 grams and the Snow needing 60 grams. This means that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gold Red may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Snow may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Snow's 3.3 mm distance. The Gold Red offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Snow provides a shallower feel. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Snow's shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Red. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Gold Red and Dareu Snow linear switches offer a thocky and neutral sound profile, with the Gold Red having a low-pitched characteristic while the Snow offers a deeper sound signature. This means that while the sound of these switches may differ slightly due to the specifics of their design and materials used, overall, you can expect a similar satisfying and moderately deep typing sound from both options. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Red switch provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, resulting in a smooth and refined feel while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation for a lively typing experience. While these descriptions may suggest different tactile experiences, they both aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing feel for users. Ultimately, whether you prefer a more gentle and polished feel or a bouncier feedback is a matter of personal preference.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and Dareu Snow linear switch each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, offering users a choice between a slightly low-pitched, thocky sound with a silky and polished feel, or a deeper sound with a bouncy typing experience. Both switches aim to provide users with a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making them suitable options for those looking for linear switches with distinct qualities. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 50 grams, smooth and buttery key presses, and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, a deeper sound signature, and innovative use of POK material for a unique typing experience, the Dareu Snow switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure the best mechanical keyboard switch experience for your needs.
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