Gateron Mars vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Mars and Dareu Snow offer their own distinct characteristics, catering to different types of users. The Gateron Mars switch is celebrated for its innovative POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, delivering a smooth linear typing experience that's both responsive and durable. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out with its unique construction utilizing POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound profile and a delightful thocky feel; it's characterized as neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. While the Mars might attract users seeking a balance of smoothness and longevity, the Snow caters to those who appreciate a richer sound and feel during their typing sessions. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Dareu Snow, notable differences and similarities emerge, particularly in the composition of their top and bottom housings. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing that is celebrated for its sound profile, providing a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This is due to nylon’s softer quality, which absorbs sound, resulting in a muted and rounded tone. In contrast, the Dareu Snow's top housing is made of POK (polyketone), which is highly durable with a low coefficient of friction and springy characteristics. While POK enhances the smoothness of key presses, it contributes to a clackier sound profile than nylon. Thus, the two switches differ significantly in their top housing material, influencing the overall auditory experience and tactile feedback in distinct ways.
Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting reversal in the material choice between the two switches. The Gateron Mars employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for its unique and deeper sound. This contributes to producing a more muted overall sound profile when a key is bottomed out, favoring a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Snow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which similarly aims for a fuller and rounder sound. Despite the different top materials, both switches achieve a deeper sound profile in part due to their nylon bottom housing, indicating a shared sonic quality that balances the overall auditory experience and feel.
Ultimately, the differences in top and bottom housing materials lead to diverse sound profiles and tactile sensations when typing. The interaction of these materials results in nuanced auditory feedback, with the top housing's characteristics affecting the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound. Consequently, while the Mars and Snow keyboards incorporate varied materials in their design, their combinations can produce similar results: both switches can offer a satisfying sound profile with deeper tones, showcasing how different materials contribute differently within the same functional framework. Thus,, whether it's the POM of the Mars or the nylon of the Snow, these materials ultimately shape a compelling typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch to the Dareu Snow linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Snow's actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a more effortless typing experience may gravitate towards the Mars switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Mars lacks specified data on bottom out force, which leaves a gap in understanding its total actuation experience. In contrast, the Snow switch has a clearly defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile feedback experience. Overall, the Gateron Mars is the lighter switch with an unspecified bottom out force, while the Dareu Snow offers a heavier actuation feel with a defined bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Mars measuring 3.6 mm and the Snow at 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights the Mars as the longer travel option, offering a deeper press compared to the shorter and potentially more responsive Snow switch. For gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times, the Snow's shorter travel distance may align better with their preference for speed, while those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation may find the Mars more satisfying due to its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and the tactile feel of the keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Gateron Mars switch's auditory characteristics remain undefined in the current descriptions, leaving an open interpretation of how it may perform in practice. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch presents a compelling auditory experience. It's characterized by a thocky sound, offering a deep, rich tone that evokes a satisfying thud upon actuation. The Snow switch strikes a balance with a neutral tone, making it adaptable for various environments, which could be beneficial for those who seek versatility. Furthermore, the low-pitched quality enhances its appeal by providing a bass-heavy sound profile, allowing for a more immersive typing experience. It is important to note that the actual sound produced can vary based on other factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the experience of the Gateron Mars switch is also unspecified, creating a gap in understanding how it may compare to its counterpart. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is distinguished by its bouncy feel. Users can expect a lively, spring-like feedback, providing a sense of rebound that enhances typing enjoyment and can lead to faster typing speeds. This elasticity in the switch contributes to a tactile experience that many typists and gamers appreciate, fostering a pleasurable engagement with the keyboard.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars switch lacks a defined profile in both sound and feel, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a distinctive auditory experience with a deep, thocky sound and a bouncy tactile sensation. For newcomers, this means that if the Mars switch eventually reveals similar characteristics, users might find themselves enjoying a comparable typing experience. However, those seeking immediate gratification with defined auditory and tactile traits might lean toward the Dareu Snow for its clear and attractive qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re after a lighter, more innovative switch that offers a unique feel and sound profile, the Gateron Mars might be the better option for you. Its construction combining Nylon and POM can provide a smooth typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions, especially if you prefer lower resistance. However, if you gravitate towards a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Snow switch could be your go-to. With a medium actuation force of 60 grams, it offers a bouncier feel that many users find satisfying, along with a thocky sound that might enhance your typing experience. Additionally, the versatility of the Snow switch makes it suitable for both casual and professional environments. Ultimately, consider how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force to make the best choice for your typing style and environment.
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