Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, one can see distinct differences in their design and performance characteristics. The MX Speed Silver is known for its lightning-fast response time, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking to gain an edge in competitive play. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out for its unique use of POK material in the top housing and stem, providing a smooth linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile. While the MX Speed Silver offers speed and responsiveness, the Dareu Snow offers a different tactile feel and sound experience. 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
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow, one major difference is the materials used in the top housing. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is equipped with a POK material top housing, offering a smooth and clacky typing experience with exceptional durability. While both materials contribute to a pleasant typing experience, the POK material in the Snow prioritizes smoothness and durability over sound profile, making it a popular choice for users seeking a high-quality switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon as the material of choice. This commonality means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Nylon is known for its softness and sound absorption properties, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience between the MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow when it comes to the bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow offer quality switches with nylon bottom housings, the key differentiator lies in their top housing materials. The MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Dareu Snow's POK material top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between these switches based on the sound profile and typing feel they desire in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dareu Snow switch is also heavier at 60 grams, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch due to its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Dareu Snow switch with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, providing users with options based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is 3.4mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall in the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. Gamers looking for a more abrupt and responsive keystroke may prefer the Dareu Snow switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience with regards to travel distance, and users can expect comparable results in terms of speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a satisfyingly deep and bass-heavy tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch also offers a thocky sound with a low-pitched profile, resulting in a rich and mellow sound experience while typing. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant auditory feedback, with the Snow switch possibly having a slightly deeper sound due to its innovative material usage.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is recognized for its textured feel, which may provide a tactile sensation when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like feedback that ensures a lively and responsive typing experience. The choice between a textured or bouncy feel ultimately comes down to personal preference, with each switch offering a unique tactile feedback that caters to different typing styles.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow switches excel in specific aspects related to sound and feel. While the Speed Silver is optimal for those seeking rapid response and low spring resistance in a linear switch, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative material and potentially deeper sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound depth and tactile feedback, either switch can enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers looking to explore different mechanical keyboard switch options.
In general, if you are looking for a similar sound and feel experience, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Dareu Snow switches offer a thocky sound profile with low-pitched characteristics. By considering factors such as personal typing preferences and intended use cases, you can select the switch that best suits your needs in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a gamer looking for maximum speed and instant response time, you may want to consider the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch. Its low spring resistance and linear action make it ideal for gaming where fast key presses are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and deeper sound profile, the Dareu Snow linear switch with its innovative use of POK material may be more to your liking. Additionally, the Snow switch offers a bouncy feel that some users may find enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as speed, sound, and feel when deciding which switch is the best fit for you.
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