Outemu Gold vs. Dareu Snow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically affect both typing pleasure and performance. The Outemu Gold switch, known for its clicky feedback, offers an auditory and tactile experience that many typists and gamers cherish, providing a satisfying and nostalgic feel reminiscent of traditional typewriters. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch shines with its smooth linear action, characterized by a deeper sound signature and a unique POK material construction for the top housing and stem. The Snow's attributes, labeled as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', promote a quieter yet equally satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer seamless keystrokes without the distraction of clicks. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you thrive on the rhythmic feedback of clicky switches or desire the smoothness of linear ones, the choice comes down to your personal typing style. 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 Gold Clicky

Dareu Snow Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Gold and Dareu Snow switches feature distinct top housing materials that contribute uniquely to their auditory experiences. The Gold's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its clarity and resonance. Its translucency also makes it ideal for setups with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Dareu Snow utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. While POK may not emit the same high-pitched sound as polycarbonate, it contributes to a smooth, clacky sound with excellent durability, offering a different auditory experience. Thus, while both materials aim to enhance the overall sound profile, they do so in significantly different ways, creating unique attributes for each switch type.

For the bottom housing, both the Outemu Gold and Dareu Snow switches utilize nylon, a classic choice in the keyboard switch design for its ability to absorb sound. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer nature dampens vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. As such, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the bottom housing's nylon ensures that both switches share a resonant quality that can appeal to typists seeking a rounder sound. The dynamic interplay between the different materials in their top and bottom housings allows for a rich and full auditory experience in both switches, despite their contrasting top materials.

When a user presses down on either switch, the sound and feel produced are shaped by the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials. In the case of the Outemu Gold, the polycarbonate top housing lends a clarity that is distinct during release, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound to provide a satisfying keystroke. Meanwhile, the Dareu Snow's POK top offers its own unique, smooth sound for key release, while still being complemented by the same nylon bottom housing that delivers a rounded typing experience. Consequently, while there are notable differences in the top materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to achieve a similar fulfilling sound profile, demonstrating how material choices can harmonize different auditory characteristics to create an enjoyable typing experience overall.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, both exhibit similar bottom out forces, as each reaches a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation forces differ slightly; the Outemu Gold requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter to press compared to the Dareu Snow, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Consequently, users who prioritize a lighter switch for long typing sessions may find the Outemu Gold more comfortable, while those preferring a more substantial push feel may opt for the heavier Dareu Snow. Overall, while both switches provide a medium bottom out force, the differences in actuation force offer options tailored to varied typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Outemu Gold features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with traditional key switch dimensions and provides a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Dareu Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. While the shorter travel distance of the Snow may offer a more immediate activation, some users may find it too abrupt compared to the deeper feel of the Gold. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key feedback and responsiveness—those favoring a more traditional, hearty depth should lean towards the Outemu Gold, whereas those seeking quicker actuation might opt for the Dareu Snow.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is characterized by an undefined auditory profile, leaving some uncertainty about its definitive acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch stands out with its thocky sound signature, known for producing a deep and rich auditory experience upon actuation. This switch also offers a neutral sound profile that is versatile enough for various environments, making it user-friendly for both beginners and advanced typists. Additionally, the Snow's low-pitched tone contributes to its bass-heavy and mellow characteristics, further enhancing the auditory experience. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Snow's inherent design promises a more defined acoustic quality.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch does not provide a clear description of its tactile feedback, which could lead to an ambiguous typing experience for users. Meanwhile, the Dareu Snow linear switch excels with its bouncy feel, reminiscent of a spring-back action that provides a lively and elastic feedback sensation. This gives typists a sense of rebound when pressing the keys, which can make for a more engaging typing experience compared to potentially less dynamic options like the Gold.

In summary, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks clearly defined sound and feel characteristics, the Dareu Snow linear switch presents a more appealing auditory and tactile experience. The Snow switch’s thocky sound, low-pitched tones, and bouncy feel make it a suitable choice for users seeking both auditory satisfaction and responsive feedback. Ultimately, if you are comfortable with a less defined auditory profile and feel, you may find a suitable typing experience with the Gold; however, for a more vibrant and rich typing experience, the Snow is a solid option.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use play crucial roles. If you enjoy a tactile sensation and appreciate an audible click while typing, the Outemu Gold may suit your needs, despite not having any standout features or descriptions to highlight its unique qualities. However, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued typing experience, the Dareu Snow switch will serve you well. Its thocky sound profile, combined with its bouncy feel, offers an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a deeper, more rich auditory feedback while you type. The Snow switch, made with innovative POK material, also ensures durability and a refined touch, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday usage. Ultimately, weigh your priorities regarding sound and tactile feedback to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Snow Linear

$7.78

$5.76 per 10

Learn more