Cherry Nixie vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Snow, both of which are linear switches. The Cherry Nixie is a revered classic within the keyboard community, known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. With the incorporation of updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update, these switches offer a blend of tradition and modern innovation. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, providing a smooth linear typing experience with a deeper sound signature. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Snow switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch has its own unique features and qualities that make them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Snow, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The Nixie and Snow switches will likely produce a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile when it comes to the top housing material.
However, the bottom housing of the Nixie is also made of nylon, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Snow switch uses POK material for its bottom housing, which offers exceptional durability and wear resistance. This material also provides a smooth and clacky typing experience. The difference in bottom housing materials may result in a slightly different typing feel and sound between the Nixie and Snow switches, with the Snow potentially offering a more durable and resilient typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry Nixie and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon for their top housing, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Nixie's nylon bottom housing may provide a similar typing experience compared to its top housing, focusing on a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Snow's POK bottom housing offers outstanding durability and wear resistance, potentially impacting the typing feel and sound profile in a different way. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile, durability, and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that the Nixie has a heavier feel compared to the Snow. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Nixie switch heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may enjoy the Nixie for a more substantial typing experience, whereas those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Snow for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective force requirements, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry Nixie linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cherry Nixie switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Snow switch. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Nixie being on the longer side and the Snow being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Snow switch for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer more depth in their key presses may opt for the Nixie switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch also offers a thocky sound profile with a slightly deeper tone due to its POK material construction. Both switches have a similar low-pitched sound signature, so you can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality when using either switch.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is praised for its textured typing experience, providing a tactile feedback that some users prefer. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving keys a spring-like rebound when pressed. While these two switches offer different tactile feedback, both provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. If you enjoy a textured feel, the Nixie might be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a bouncy sensation, the Snow switch could be your go-to option.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Nixie provides a textured typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation with a deeper sound tone. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing. Both switches incorporate modern innovations in their design, ensuring a high-quality typing experience regardless of your pick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a more textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a smoother linear switch, and a bouncy feel when typing, the Dareu Snow switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider the sound profile, feel, and overall typing experience you prefer when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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