Outemu Cream Pink vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Cream Pink and the Dareu Snow. The Cream Pink is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation force. On the other hand, the Snow switch is also a linear switch but stands out with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. While the Cream Pink offers a standard linear switch experience, the Snow switch provides a unique typing experience with its thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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 Outemu Cream Pink and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that both switches have nylon top housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Snow's POK top housing offers a smoother typing experience, thanks to its low coefficient of friction and superior durability compared to nylon. While both switches share similar qualities in terms of sound profile, the Snow's POK material stands out for its smoothness and robustness.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cream Pink and the Snow feature nylon bottom housings, which again contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. Despite sharing the same material for the bottom housing, the top housing material of the Snow offers enhanced smoothness and durability, thanks to its POK composition. This contrast highlights how the choice of material for the top and bottom housings can impact different aspects of typing experience.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the Dareu Snow share similarities in providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the specific properties of nylon and POK offer distinct advantages. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a softer and more absorbent sound, while the POK material in the Snow enhances smoothness, clackiness, and durability. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profile and typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The actuation force of both the Outemu Cream Pink and Dareu Snow linear switches is 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of starting a keystroke. However, the Cream Pink requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams. This means that the Cream Pink will have a slightly firmer feel when pressing the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Snow may be the better option due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, for users who like a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the Cream Pink's heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Pink has a longer travel distance compared to the Snow. The Cream Pink's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, offering a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial depth when typing. On the other hand, the Snow's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance is ideal for gamers looking for faster response times and a more immediate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Cream Pink offering a longer and more traditional travel distance, while the Snow provides a shorter and quicker key press.
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 Outemu Cream Pink comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not have a specific reputation, whereas the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. Typing on the Snow switch will provide a deeper and richer sound experience due to its innovative POK material construction. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Pink switch does not have a defined characteristic, but the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy. Bouncy switches offer a spring-like feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and a noticeable rebound when the keys are pressed. This feature can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer tactile feedback while typing.
In conclusion, while the Cream Pink switch does not have specific qualities attributed to its sound or feel, the Dareu Snow switch is known for producing a thocky, low-pitched sound and offering a bouncy typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, factors such as personal preference and the setup of your keyboard will play a role in the overall performance of these switches. Ultimately, if you enjoy one of these switches, you are likely to find a similar level of satisfaction with the other due to their subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the key factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with no specific standout feature, the Cream Pink may be the right choice for you. However, if you are interested in a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and appreciate the innovative use of POK material for a deeper sound signature, the Snow switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched sound profile, as well as a bouncy feel when typing, the Dareu Snow switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences and needs when it comes to a mechanical keyboard switch.
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