Outemu Brown vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Brown and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, known for its responsive feedback without the loud clickiness of a clicky switch. 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 smooth and quiet typing experience with a deeper sound signature. While the Outemu Brown offers a tactile feeling for those who prefer a bit of feedback, the Dareu Snow provides a more subtle and smooth 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

Outemu Brown Tactile

Dareu Snow Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Dareu Snow, it can be seen that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

On the other hand, the top housing materials differ between the two switches. The Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Snow's POK top housing provides smooth, clacky, and durable switches. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than other materials like LY, the POK material contributes to a unique typing experience that focuses on smoothness and durability.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Brown and Dareu Snow switches highlights the importance of material selection in determining the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. Whether opting for the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Brown or the smoothness and durability of POK in the Snow, users can tailor their switch choice based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.

Weight

The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force (53g) compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch (50g). However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Brown requires 65g while the Snow only needs 60g. This means that the Brown switch is both heavier to actuate and bottom out compared to the Snow switch. The Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Snow switch offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide a different typing feel based on their actuation and bottom out forces, but users can expect similar results in terms of force requirements when comparing the two switches.

Travel distance

The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Brown switch. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Snow switch might appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Brown switch could provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is known for a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a unique thocky sound due to the POK material used in its construction, providing a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. The low-pitched nature of the Snow switch adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the sound, which can be a preference for some users depending on their personal taste and environment.

As for feel, the Outemu Brown switch lacks a specific descriptor, meaning that its tactile feel may be more subtle compared to other switches. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel and helps with rebound when typing. This bouncy feel can contribute to a more dynamic and engaging typing experience for users who enjoy a tactile response from their switches.

In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and Dareu Snow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch provides a neutral sound profile and a potentially more subtle tactile feel, the Snow switch stands out with its thocky sound and bouncy feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience, with the Snow switch offering a unique sound and feel compared to the more versatile Brown switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a unique sound profile due to the POK material used in its construction, the Dareu Snow switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound signature.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more