Cherry MX Brown vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Snow offer unique typing experiences for users. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. While the Cherry MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Dareu Snow is described as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. Depending on your preferences, you may choose the Cherry MX Brown for a gentle typing experience or the Dareu Snow for a deeper sound signature. 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
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Snow both utilize nylon as the material for their top housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow incorporates POK material for its top housing, which boasts a higher coefficient of friction than LY material, making it exceptionally smooth. Additionally, the POK material is highly durable with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance, making it a top choice for those looking for a smooth, clacky, and long-lasting typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon material. Again, this material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, creating a rounded and dull sound. The properties of nylon make it a popular choice for switch housing due to its ability to absorb sound and provide a unique typing experience. Whether you are using the MX Brown or the Dareu Snow, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cherry MX Brown and the Dareu Snow differ in material, with the former utilizing nylon for both and the latter using POK for the top and nylon for the bottom, they both offer unique qualities to the typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown provides a classic typing sound with its nylon housing, while the Dareu Snow offers a smoother and more durable experience with its POK and nylon housing combination. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound profile, smoothness, and durability in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the MX Brown is the lighter of the two. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, but the Snow requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the MX Brown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Brown would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Snow switch for a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Snow switch for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable during typing or gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched audio feedback that is relatively subtle and non-intrusive. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switches provide a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and more pronounced typing experience. Both switches offer a similar low-pitched sound characteristic, but the Snow switch may provide a slightly richer and more satisfying sound due to its unique material composition.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their textured feel, which can either be preferred or disliked by users depending on their personal typing preferences. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switches offer a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. While the MX Brown switches may have a more distinct texture, the Snow switches offer a bouncier and more elastic feel, adding an extra layer of tactile feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Dareu Snow switches both have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a more subtle and textured typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the MX Brown switches may be your best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying sound with a bouncy and spring-like feel, the Dareu Snow switches could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, and choosing between them comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and innovative use of POK material, the Dareu Snow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the typing feel and sound profile of the Cherry MX Browns or the unique features and sound characteristics of the Dareu Snow switches. Consider these factors carefully to ensure that you choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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