KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Snow, a linear switch. The Phalaenopsis switch is characterized by its light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during long typing sessions. The satisfying tactile bump at 50g provides a delightful keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for a deeper sound signature while typing on this smooth linear switch. The Snow switch is known for its low-pitched, bouncy feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Dareu Snow offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall performance of the switches. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Snow features a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, offering a clacky and long-lasting switch experience. Nylon, on the other hand, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Phalaenopsis and the Snow, both switches offer unique benefits to users. The polycarbonate top housing in the Phalaenopsis creates a clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience. In contrast, the POK material in the Snow contributes to smooth and durable switches, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance surpassing other materials like nylon and POM. While the bottom housing in the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate for a clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housing in the Snow offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, showcasing the impact housing materials have on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Dareu Snow plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and durability of the switches. While the polycarbonate housing in the Phalaenopsis offers a sharper and crisper sound, the POK material in the Snow provides smoothness and durability. The nylon bottom housing in the Snow results in a deeper sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, understanding the unique qualities of each housing material can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Snow switch needs 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Phalaenopsis may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Snow switch may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Snow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for individuals who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. Overall, the travel distance of both switches plays a significant role in the typing experience, with the Phalaenopsis offering a longer keypress compared to the Snow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky typing experience, creating a deep and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch also provides a thocky sound but with a lower-pitched characteristic due to its POK material construction. The Snow switch may produce a slightly deeper sound signature compared to the Phalaenopsis, giving users a unique auditory experience while typing.
In terms of feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a stepped tactile feedback, providing a mild two-stage sensation during typing. This means users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a bouncy feel with spring-like feedback, giving users a lively and responsive typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch each bring their own unique sound and feel characteristics to the table. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a stepped tactile feedback, the Phalaenopsis switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower-pitched sound with a bouncy and elastic feel, the Snow switch could be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and innovative design elements that can elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch versus the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should choose the Phalaenopsis if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump during typing. The Phalaenopsis offers a beautiful translucent design and a smooth typing experience with a light actuation force of 37g. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a deeper sound profile, the Dareu Snow may be the better option for you. The Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material and provides a smooth linear typing experience with a deeper sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel.
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