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KTT Orange vs. Dareu Snow

An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Dareu Snow linear switches present compelling options. The KTT Orange switch is praised for its bouncy feel, slick and frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is distinguished by its innovative use of POK material for a smooth linear feel and a deeper sound signature. While the KTT Orange offers a refined and fluid key travel, the Dareu Snow provides a thocky typing 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

46g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

1.30 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Dareu Snow both offer unique advantages. The Orange's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Snow's POK top housing offers a smoother and clackier sound, along with exceptional durability. While both materials have their own benefits, the POK material stands out for its impressive wear resistance and shock resistance compared to polycarbonate.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Snow's nylon bottom housing offer distinct sound profiles as well. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Snow creates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound than polycarbonate results in a duller and rounder sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate.

Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Dareu Snow offer different sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both switches have their strengths, with the Orange's polycarbonate housing emphasizing sharpness and clarity, and the Snow's POK and nylon housings focusing on smoothness and durability. Whether you prefer a crisper sound from the polycarbonate housing or a deeper sound from the nylon housing, both switches offer high-quality materials that cater to different typing preferences.

Weight

The actuation force of the KTT Orange linear switch is 46 grams, while the Dareu Snow linear switch requires 50 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange switch has a force of 53 grams, whereas the Snow switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Orange switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Snow switch. This means that the Orange switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Snow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the lighter Orange switch or the heavier Snow switch to cater to their typing needs.

Travel distance

The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the Orange switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. Despite this minor difference, both switches offer a quick and responsive feel when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the level of depth and feedback desired in a keystroke.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.

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 KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper and thocky sound, thanks to its innovative use of POK material for both the housing and stem. The Snow switch also has a neutral sound profile suitable for various uses. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also vary based on factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel, both the KTT Orange and Dareu Snow switches are described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that gives a lively sensation when pressed. Additionally, the KTT Orange switch provides a frictionless typing experience with its smooth and effortless key travel, minimizing any sense of resistance. While the Snow switch shares the bouncy feel, its specific feel characteristics are not detailed in the given information.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and Dareu Snow linear switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, while the Snow switch stands out with a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either switch can offer a satisfying result, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for the user.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider the following factors. The Orange switch is best suited for those who prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and enjoy a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Snow switch with a medium 60-gram bottom out force is ideal for those looking for a deep, thocky sound signature and a neutral feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

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