Keygeek Keylin vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Snow are two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Keylin is celebrated for its premium build quality, utilizing new molds that enhance both acoustics and smoothness, providing an exceptionally satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, delivering a deeper sound signature that appeals to those who appreciate a bouncier feel while typing. While both switches prioritize smooth keypresses, the Keylin leans towards a more refined acoustic profile, whereas the Snow focuses on a thocky and slightly more pronounced auditory effect. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin and the Dareu Snow, a notable difference can be observed in their top housing materials. The Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing that is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow features a POK top housing which is recognized for its remarkable durability and smoothness, being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM and having a 2.3 times greater shock resistance than nylon. While the Keylin's nylon housing promotes a deeper sound profile, the POK's unique characteristics contribute to a smooth, clacky sound when typing. Despite their different materials, both switches can produce rich auditory feedback; the Keylin achieves this through nylon's absorption properties, while the Snow's POK achieves a similarly appealing sound through its smoothness and durability.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, reveals a striking similarity, as both the Keylin and the Snow employ nylon in this component. This commonality means that, in terms of the tactile experience and sound produced at the bottom-out moment when a key is pressed, the characteristics associated with nylon remain consistent. Both switches rely on nylon's ability to absorb sound, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottomed out. Thus, regardless of the differences observed in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a familiar experience for users of both switches, particularly relating to sound and tactile feedback when the key reaches its lowest point.
Overall, the blend of different materials in the Keygeek Keylin and Dareu Snow switches leads to a nuanced typing experience influenced by each housing’s properties. While the Keylin relies on the softer nylon material to create a rounded sound profile in both its top and bottom housings, the Snow leverages the unique qualities of POK for the top housing while maintaining nylon in the bottom housing. This results in a hybrid sound profile for the Snow, combining the smoothness of POK with the familiar auditory feedback associated with nylon. Ultimately, users seeking distinct auditory qualities and a varied typing feel can find satisfaction in either switch, depending on their preference for sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the Dareu Snow linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch boasts a lightweight actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer feel, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more pronounced, heavier push that caters to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Keylin is classified as the lighter option, while the Snow is heavier, signaling a definitive choice based on individual user preference for typing sensation and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Keylin switch offers a more pronounced key press experience, ideal for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Snow's 3.3 mm travel distance presents a quicker actuation, making it suitable for users who prioritize responsiveness and speed. As such, the Keylin is the longer switch, providing a more substantial key travel, while the Snow is the shorter option, catering to a preference for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and actuation speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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, the Keylin linear switch is known for delivering rich acoustics that can contribute to a more immersive typing experience. Its premium sound quality offers a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is recognized for its deeper sound signature, characterized by a thocky profile. This provides a deep, rich thud when keys are pressed and released, giving it a softer knock that can please those who enjoy a more resonant auditory feedback. Both switches can produce distinct sounds, yet they may vary significantly in richness and depth, influenced further by the choice of keycaps and keyboard construction.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch excels in offering exceptional smoothness, which is a hallmark of a premium typing experience. This smooth action can be crucial for users seeking a buttery response when typing, reducing any tactile harshness that may disrupt the flow. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is characterized by its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively sensation with each keystroke. This bounciness can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more dynamic response. Ultimately, while both switches aim to provide comfort, the Keylin focuses on smoothness, whereas the Snow introduces a lively rebounding action.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to individual preferences. The Keylin stands out with its rich sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory pleasure and seamless keypresses. Meanwhile, the Snow offers a thocky sound and bouncy feel, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper sound profile and a more elastic feedback. Depending on your typing style and what you value most—sound richness versus feedback responsiveness—either switch can cater to different preferences, yet they both promise an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter actuation force that makes typing feel effortless, the Keylin switch with its 48-gram bottom-out force may be your best bet. Its focus on premium typing quality with rich acoustics promises a satisfying experience for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and smoothness. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust feel with a medium force of 60 grams, the Snow switch could be more suited to your taste. Its unique POK material not only enhances the switch's durability but also contributes to a deeper sound profile, described as ‘thocky’—perfect for users looking for auditory feedback during typing. Additionally, if you enjoy a lively, bouncy sensation with each keystroke, the Snow will deliver that springs-back feedback that can make typing feel more engaging. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by what aspects of a mechanical switch contribute most to your personal typing comfort, acoustics, and tactile experience.
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