Kailh BCP vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, switch choice plays a crucial role in enhancing your typing experience. Two linear switches that have garnered attention are the Kailh BCP and the Dareu Snow. The Kailh BCP is a modern reimagining of the classic Black Cherry Pies design, offering a unique creamy, viscous feel that many users find both elastic and bouncy, accompanied by a poppy, clacky sound profile that adds character to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material for both its top housing and stem, delivering a smooth and deeper sound signature, which many users find embodies a thocky, neutral feel that is pleasing to type on. While the Kailh BCP might appeal to those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback and a tactile experience, the Dareu Snow could be chosen by those seeking a subtle yet satisfying typing feel with a low-pitched resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Dareu Snow Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Dareu Snow switches, a distinct contrast arises in their top housing materials. The Kailh BCP uses nylon for its top housing, a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing properties. This characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that feels muted yet rich. In contrast, the Dareu Snow opts for POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its durability and smooth feel. While both materials contribute to the overall acoustic experience, nylon tends to create a rounder and more subdued sound, whereas POK facilitates a smoother typing action and lends itself to a more clacky sound due to its unique friction and strength characteristics.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a noteworthy similarity between the two switches, as both feature nylon as their material choice. This shared quality means that both the Kailh BCP and Dareu Snow switches exhibit a deeper sound profile from the bottom housing. The nylon in both cases helps absorb sound and provides a consistent, fuller feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, while there might be a disparity in the top housings, the identical material in the bottom housings ensures that the typist experiences similar deep sound characteristics when keys are pressed down, contributing to a cohesive typing experience.

Ultimately, the varying top housing materials in both switches create different acoustic and tactile outcomes, but the analogous nylon used in the bottom housings aligns their fundamental auditory properties. This split in material design means that the Kailh BCP’s nylon top creates a sound that’s warmer and more rounded while the POK top of the Snow promotes a clearer, sharper auditory signature. However, when those switches are engaged, the shared nylon bottom ensures that each switch delivers that satisfying deeper sound upon key activation, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in developing a unique yet somewhat comparable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh BCP features a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Dareu Snow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Consequently, users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Dareu Snow, as its lower forces can reduce fatigue. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Kailh BCP due to its heavier feel. Overall, while both switches offer smooth linear responses, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces make them suitable for varying user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the BCP boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Snow offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the BCP the longer of the two switches, providing a more substantial depth when pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Snow, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times due to the lessened distance for actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences in feel and performance, the BCP is more suited to those who enjoy a heartier keystroke, whereas the Snow aligns with users seeking rapid actuation for gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh BCP switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound profile, which appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can create a fun and engaging typing experience, particularly suited for enthusiasts who relish audible confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch boasts a deep and thocky sound signature, characterized by a satisfying thud or soft knock when keys are pressed. This lower-pitched sound can be preferable for individuals seeking a more subdued auditory experience that minimizes distraction, providing a balanced acoustic environment whether at home or in the office.

In terms of feel, the Kailh BCP switches are notable for their creamy, viscous, and elastic characteristics, delivering a bouncy typing experience that feels lively and responsive. This adds a layer of enjoyment as the switches seem to spring back with energy after each press. Meanwhile, the Dareu Snow switches share a similar bouncy quality, presenting an elastic feedback sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. The springy feeling of both switches will cater to users who appreciate that lively rebound and satisfying tactile response, making for a responsive typing session in either case.

In summary, both the Kailh BCP and Dareu Snow switches are designed to promote pleasurable typing experiences, albeit with distinct auditory qualities. The BCP offers a more prominent pop and clack sound, while the Snow provides a deeper and richer thock. Feeling-wise, both switches excel with their bouncy characteristics, delivering energetic responses that should delight typists. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile, while the feel will remain comparably lively and engaging with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you desire a switch with a slightly heavier feel and a unique poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams creates a tactile experience that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it a solid option for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more subdued typing experience with a lighter actuation force of 60 grams, the Dareu Snow switch is likely more suitable for you. Known for its thocky sound signature and elastic, bouncy feel, the Snow offers a versatile option that can be ideal for both casual typing and gaming. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the slightly greater weight and fun sound of the BCP or the smooth, muted tones of the Snow, both switches provide worthy experiences that cater to distinct typing styles and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more