Durock Medium Tactile vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Dareu Snow. The Medium Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its balanced tactility and unique jelly-like sound signature. It falls into the categories of 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Snow switch by Dareu utilizes POK material for both the top housing and stem, providing a smooth linear feel and a deeper sound when typing. It is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on your preference 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
The Durock Medium Tactile and Dareu Snow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Snow's POK top housing offers a smooth and clacky typing experience. It is highly durable, with wear resistance surpassing materials like POM and shock resistance exceeding Nylon. While both materials have their unique strengths, they both contribute to a satisfying keyboard experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Medium Tactile and Snow feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deep and full sound profile. Its softness allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing on both switches contributes to the overall typing feel, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
It's interesting to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can result in a different typing experience. The bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Durock Medium Tactile and Dareu Snow, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a balanced typing experience with a mix of sharpness, clarity, smoothness, and durability.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile and Dareu Snow switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Snow switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is lighter. In terms of actuation force, the Medium Tactile switch does not specify a specific value, while the Snow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium range of tactile feedback. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Snow switch may be the preferable choice, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Snow switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Medium Tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Medium Tactile leaning towards a more balanced and pronounced tactile feedback, while the Snow switch delivers a deeper and richer sound due to its innovative use of POK material. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized as accented, offering a tactile bump that is prominent yet not overwhelming. This switch also provides a stepped feel, giving users a sense of pre-travel and post-travel during keystrokes. Additionally, the switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to keystrokes. While the Medium Tactile offers a balanced and tactile typing experience, the Snow switch gives users a more elastic and dynamic feel when typing.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile provides a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Snow switch offers a deep and thocky sound accompanied by a bouncy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their needs. Whether opting for the Medium Tactile or the Snow switch, users can expect a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Dareu Snow switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, opt for the Durock Medium Tactile switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a deeper sound profile due to POK material construction, go for the Dareu Snow switch. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a medium to heavy bottom out force, the Medium Tactile would be the choice for you, whereas if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Snow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your tactile preferences and typing experience desired.
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