Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves contemplating the merits of various options, such as the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Snow switches. The Everglide Rice Pudding is renowned for its seamless operation and satisfying auditory feedback, offering a balanced typing experience that strikes a chord with those who value precision and versatility. Furthermore, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it an ideal choice for users seeking enhanced performance. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch features a unique POK material construction that contributes to its signature deep sound and smooth linear feel. This switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', catering to those who enjoy a softer typing experience with an emphasis on sound quality. While both switches present unique advantages to different types of users, the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Dareu Snow, notable differences in the top housing can be observed, influencing the overall sound profile and performance of each switch. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Dareu Snow utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its smoothness and durability. Although it may not offer the same level of sonic clarity as polycarbonate, the POK material excels in providing a consistent and stable typing experience, thanks to its low coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance. This variation in top housing materials results in distinct sound signatures, with the Rice Pudding leaning towards a crisper output while the Snow maintains a more controlled and durable performance.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as each utilizes nylon—a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that appeals to users seeking a more muted keypress. Consequently, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both the Rice Pudding and the Snow will deliver a similar foundational typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. This compatibility in bottom housing allows users to achieve a cohesive auditory experience, combining the unique strengths of each top housing to create balanced overall sound.
Ultimately, the combination of the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing contrasts with the Snow’s POK top and nylon bottom. When pressed, users will notice how the different top materials affect the key feel and sound. The Rice Pudding, with its polycarbonate top, is likely to produce a more pronounced sound upon releasing the key, while the Snow’s POK housing may provide a more subtle and controlled response. The nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the deeper sound signature remains consistent, making for a satisfying typing experience that melds both switches' distinct characteristics. By selecting either switch, users can enjoy a rich auditory experience with the added customizable benefits of switching top housings, allowing for personalized sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch to the Dareu Snow linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a gentler touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Snow switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in weight means that the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is lighter than the Dareu Snow switch, which may appeal to users who prioritize comfort over a more forceful feedback. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter switch will find the Rice Pudding more suitable, while the heavier Snow switch may be better for users looking for a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Snow switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Dareu Snow linear switch may better suit your needs due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide faster response times. However, for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Everglide Rice Pudding, with its longer travel distance, may feel more satisfying. Ultimately, the Rice Pudding is the switch with the longer travel distance by 0.2 mm, offering a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the Snow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The Everglide Rice Pudding switches produce a sound profile that is deep and rich, contributing to a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This depth provides a certain resonance that many enthusiasts seek, making each keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is characterized by a thocky sound signature, which delivers a deep thud or soft knock that is both pleasing and inviting. The Snow switch also exhibits a low-pitched tone, resulting in a mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. This makes both switches appealing to users who prioritize a robust sound, although the Snow switch specifically leans more towards a thocky and neutral sound profile that may resonate well with those who favor a more pronounced auditory response.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Rice Pudding switches offer smooth operation, providing a consistent and pleasant typing experience, although their specific tactile qualities aren’t explicitly defined in the available information. On the other hand, the Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that creates a lively and responsive sensation when typing. This bounciness can enhance the typing rhythm, making each keypress feel engaging and energetic, which is particularly enjoyable for users who prefer a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard.
In summary, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Dareu Snow switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. The Rice Pudding boasts a deep and rich sound with smooth operation, appealing to those who favor a balanced and satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Snow switch emphasizes a thocky, low-pitched sound and a bouncy feel, appealing to users seeking a lively and responsive keyboard. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience with deep sound or a responsive feel complemented by a thocky auditory signature. Each switch can deliver an enjoyable experience depending on your preferences, and both are capable of providing satisfying results for a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re looking for a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, the Rice Pudding switches might be the perfect fit for you. Their 48-gram actuation force makes them easier to press, allowing for quick and effortless typing, which can be especially beneficial for gaming or prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's keyboards offers versatility for those who appreciate performance-enhancing features. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantial feel and a deeper sound signature while typing, the Dareu Snow switch could be your go-to choice. With a 60-gram actuation force, the Snow provides a bouncier, more resilient feedback, making it suitable for those who like a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. Furthermore, if you appreciate a thocky and rich sound when you type, the Snow’s use of POK materials gives it that satisfying tone, perfectly complementing a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the type of feel and sound you prefer, whether it’s the effortless precision of the Rice Pudding or the commanding feedback of the Snow.
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