Gateron Melodic vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Dareu Snow offer unique experiences for users with different preferences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that has gained popularity for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is a linear switch that utilizes innovative POK material in both the top housing and stem, creating a deeper sound signature for a smooth typing experience. While the Melodic switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Snow switch is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own advantages depending on personal preferences and typing style. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Dareu Snow, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Snow boasts a POK top housing, which offers exceptional smoothness and durability. The coefficient of friction for POK is slightly higher than LY, making it one of the smoothest materials available, while also surpassing Nylon and POM in wear and shock resistance.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Melodic and the Snow utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches illustrates how the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while both switches feature similar nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the Melodic stands out with its polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile with emphasis on RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Snow's POK top housing offers superior smoothness and durability, making it a top choice for those looking for a clacky and lasting typing experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches provide unique sound profiles and qualities based on the materials used in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Melodic has a lighter actuation force, as it requires None grams to trigger a keystroke, compared to the Snow which needs 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a similar typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The Melodic switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Snow switch might be favored by those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Melodic's 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Snow may be the preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Melodic may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp clicks reminiscent of stepping on piles of crispy autumn leaves. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and satisfying thud with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal sound preferences and the accompanying keyboard and keycap setup.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that enhances the typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like and lively feedback when typing. If you prefer a more uniform and seamless typing experience, the Melodic switch may be the better option, while the Snow switch offers a more dynamic and responsive feel to your keystrokes.
In summary, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic provides a resonant, crunchy sound with a buttery, invigorating feel, ideal for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience with pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Snow switch delivers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a bouncy sensation, catering to users who prefer a deeper tone and spring-like feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Melodic switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and thocky sound with a bouncy feel, the Snow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, so the decision rests on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
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