Durock Light Tactile vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Durock Light Tactile switch is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a softer typing experience compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is known for its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a smooth and deep sound signature for a linear switch. Each switch has its own distinct qualities, with the Light Tactile being categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Snow is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', '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
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Dareu Snow feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow boasts a POK top housing, which offers a smooth and clacky typing experience. This material is extremely durable, with wear resistance that surpasses other common materials such as POM and Nylon.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to other plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound when typing. This material is a classic choice for switch housing due to its ability to enhance the overall typing experience. Whether it's the Durock Light Tactile or the Dareu Snow, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Light Tactile and Dareu Snow differ, each material brings unique qualities to the switches. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a combination of durability, smoothness, and sound profile due to the specific properties of their housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile or the smoothness of POK in the Snow, each switch provides a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch with a 50-gram actuation force. However, the Light Tactile also has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Snow has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier force needed to bottom out, whereas the Snow switch is lighter overall. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Light Tactile being on the heavier side and the Snow being slightly lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Dareu Snow switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Durock Light Tactile switch. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who are sensitive to keypress depth, it could make a difference in the typing experience. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Dareu Snow switch for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Durock Light Tactile switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that can be suitable for a variety of users and environments. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch provides a thocky sound with a deeper and more satisfying tone due to its unique use of POK material. Depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard, these switches can offer distinct auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle tactility and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy feel with spring-like feedback, giving users a lively sensation when typing. Each switch offers a different tactile experience that caters to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and Dareu Snow switches provide unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, the Snow switch stands out with its deeper, thocky sound and bouncy feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Dareu Snow switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a deep, thocky sound signature, the Snow switch may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Light Tactile would be ideal. However, if you enjoy a more bouncy feel and low-pitched sound, the Snow switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
