HMX KD200 vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX KD200 and Dareu Snow linear switches have their unique characteristics that can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX KD200 is celebrated for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a lively auditory feedback that can add a dynamic flair to your typing sessions. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced sound with each keystroke, making it great for those who enjoy an engaging, tactile experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, providing a smoother typing experience and a deeper sound signature. It is categorized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy, making it an attractive choice for users who prioritize a more subdued auditory footprint combined with a pleasant typing feel. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique benefits that can enhance your overall keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX KD200 Linear

Dareu Snow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX KD200 and the Dareu Snow present contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly impact the auditory and tactile experience of each switch. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This absorption gives the KD200 a more muted and rounder auditory feedback, which many typists find satisfying. In comparison, the Snow utilizes a POK top housing, a material known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. While POK provides a more clacky sound due to its higher friction coefficient compared to nylon, it introduces a distinctive auditory experience that differentiates it from the KD200's sound signature.

When examining the bottom housings, both the KD200 and the Snow utilize nylon, thus aligning their acoustical characteristics in this regard. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, retains its inherent qualities, such as sound absorption, which allows for similar deep and round auditory feedback when typing. This shared material ensures that both switches will exhibit a comparable bottom-out sound and feel, as the bottom housing significantly influences this aspect of the typing experience. Consequently, even though the top housings differ, both switches maintain an echo of acoustical consistency thanks to their identical nylon bottom housings.

In summary, while the HMX KD200 and Dareu Snow diverge in their top housing materials—nylon for the KD200 and POK for the Snow—they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in comparable sound profiles during key presses. This combination allows users to achieve a similar tactile impression when bottoming out, despite experiencing different sounds at varying points of the key actuation. Ultimately, these differences and similarities showcase how material choice plays a pivotal role in crafting the overall characteristics of mechanical switches, affecting everything from durability to sound perception.

Weight

When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch to the Dareu Snow linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KD200 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods or during lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in weight suggests that the KD200 might be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, while the Snow caters to those who appreciate a firmer press. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that feels lighter under your fingers, the KD200 would be the better choice, whereas the Snow offers a medium force for a generally more robust typing sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Snow measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference means that the KD200 provides a bit more depth with each keystroke, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Snow's shorter travel distance may give a quicker response time, which could be beneficial for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, if one prefers a heartier depth, the KD200 is the better choice, while those seeking a snappier typing experience might gravitate towards the Dareu Snow. The difference, although small, can influence overall comfort and performance based on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX KD200 linear switch is known for being the clackiest member of its family, suggesting that it offers a higher-pitched and perhaps more pronounced acoustic feedback when pressed. This clackiness makes it quite distinct and might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory signal during typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch delivers a deeper sound signature characterized as thocky, which produces a resonant and satisfying low-pitched tone. Users can expect a sound profile akin to a soft thud or a gentle knock, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more muted and refined auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches are designed for linear typing, their sound characteristics are quite different, catering to individuals with varied preferences in acoustic feedback.

When it comes to feel, the KD200's specific characteristics are not detailed in the provided information. However, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation with a lively feel that offers a noticeable rebound when pressed. This bounciness can create a more dynamic typing experience, allowing the user to appreciate an engaging tactile response. Without specific descriptions of the KD200’s feel, it is challenging to draw direct comparisons, but it is important to note that this key feature could vary significantly between the two switches.

In conclusion, the HMX KD200 linear switch and Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The KD200 presents a more pronounced clackiness in sound, appealing to those who favor a louder click, while the Snow provides a deeper, thocky sound for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. In terms of feel, the Snow’s bounciness contributes to an engaging typing experience, while the KD200's feel remains unspecified. Ultimately, if you are looking for switches that provide different auditory feedback and tactile responses, choosing between the KD200 and Snow will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch will really depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a clackier typing experience, the KD200’s 50 grams of actuation force and its reputation as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family may be the ideal option for you. This switch is particularly well-suited if you are typing at home or in a casual setting where that characteristic sound can be appreciated. On the other hand, if you are looking for a richer, deeper sound with a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the Dareu Snow switch could be your go-to. Its use of innovative POK material contributes to its bouncy feel and thocky sound profile, making it a solid choice for both work and home environments, especially if you prefer a more muted typing experience that still offers pleasant auditory feedback. Ultimately, evaluate your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force, and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and daily usage.

Mentioned in this article

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more