HMX Lucky vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Snow offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its lightweight design and softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a typing experience that is not only neutral but also deeply satisfying. Users often describe its feel as clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished, making it a delightful option for those who enjoy a more playful and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch impresses with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature that is often described as thocky yet neutral and bouncy. This switch might be more suited for those who prefer a richer auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Given these distinct characteristics, the choice between the two will largely depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Dareu Snow switches present notable differences, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Lucky incorporates a nylon top housing that is characterized by its softer plastic properties, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing capabilities. Contrastingly, the Snow utilizes a POK top housing, which is created from polyketone. This material not only provides a smoother typing experience but also has a higher wear and shock resistance compared to nylon. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the Snow’s POK material leans towards a clackier and sharper sound profile, despite its higher friction coefficient, making it distinct from the more subdued tones of the Lucky's nylon top.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a unifying factor between the two products: both employ nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared component ensures that both switches elicit similar deep and rounded sound qualities when bottoming out, thanks to nylon's inherent characteristics. As a classic choice for bottom housings, nylon contributes to a duller auditory profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users seeking muted acoustics. Thus, despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for consistency in the feel and sound associated with the actuation of both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials and the same bottom housing material results in unique yet complementary performances for both the HMX Lucky and Dareu Snow switches. The top housing plays a significant role in defining the auditory output when releasing a key, while the bottom housing profoundly influences the tactile feedback and sound upon keystroke engagement. Consequently, users can expect differing sensations and sounds based on the material properties of the top housings while enjoying a consistent foundation provided by the nylon bottom housing. This synthesis ensures that both switches cater to varied preferences in sound profiles and typing experiences while maintaining a commonality in their performance characteristics.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Snow switch incorporates a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Lucky switch is the lighter option overall, while the Snow switch offers a heavier resistance. Therefore, users seeking a softer touch should gravitate towards the Lucky, whereas those who appreciate a firmer feel may prefer the Snow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find that the Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lucky switch offers a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for its more substantial feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Snow's shorter travel distance caters to those who prioritize a quicker response time, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Consequently, if you prefer a switch with a more responsive feel, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Lucky would suit those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 HMX Lucky linear switch has a clacky quality, producing a sharp and snappy sound reminiscent of a bright and percussive keyboard experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature described as thocky, characterized by a rich and satisfying tone akin to a soft thud. While the Lucky can create a more lively and immediate auditory response, typists using the Snow will enjoy a more resonant sound profile. Sound characteristics, of course, can also vary depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used, but generally, users can expect these distinct sound profiles to remain consistent with their respective switches.
In terms of feel, both the Lucky and Snow switches offer a bouncy quality that provides a spring-like feedback sensation, giving typists a lively rebound when pressing the keys. However, the Lucky goes a step further with descriptors such as silky and polished, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, making the keys feel more refined and effortless to actuate. The Snow switch, while retaining that springy quality, does not have additional descriptors to suggest the same level of smoothness, which may make the typing experience slightly different, though still enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky and Dareu Snow linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Lucky switch offers a clacky sound with enhanced smoothness and a bouncy feel, while the Snow focuses on a deeper sound quality and retains the bounce feel but lacks the silky and polished characteristics of the Lucky. Ultimately, if you're seeking a lively and satisfying typing experience, either switch could meet your needs, but the nuanced differences may cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a typing experience that feels deeply satisfying, the Lucky switch may be your best bet, especially with its soft nylon housings and bouncy, polished feel. This switch is perfect for casual typing, gaming, or any scenario where you'd appreciate a lively, clacky sound profile and a quick rebound sensation. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust, medium actuation force and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound, the Snow switch could be the right choice for you. Its innovative POK material and thocky acoustics provide a sound that is not only pleasing but also adds a level of sophistication to your typing experience. Moreover, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a balance between performance and versatility, the Snow's neutral characteristics make it suitable for both work and leisure. In short, consider the Lucky for a bright and smooth experience with a lighter touch, while opting for the Snow if you desire a solid and rich auditory feedback.
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