KTT Rose vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Rose and the Dareu Snow stand out as intriguing options to consider. The KTT Rose features a linear switch design and is well-regarded for its beautiful aesthetics and unique typing experience due to the use of progressive springs. Typing on the Rose delivers a substantial yet not heavy feel, reminiscent of bassy raindrops. In contrast, the Dareu Snow also offers a linear switch with a distinct approach, utilizing POK material for both the top housing and stem to create a deeper sound signature. While the Rose is described as low-pitched, neutral, mild, polished, the Snow is characterized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, bouncy. Each switch has its unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
Progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Dareu Snow switches both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the Rose features a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharp, high-pitched sound profile, the Snow utilizes a POK top housing that provides a smooth and clacky typing experience. Both materials offer durability and resilience, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, while POK boasts impressive wear and shock resistance. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas POK's coefficient of friction and smoothness make it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience.
On the other hand, both the Rose and the Snow switches share a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing comfort for users. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing highlights its importance in providing a stable foundation for the switches and contributing to the overall typing experience.
In summary, while the KTT Rose and the Dareu Snow switches feature different top housing materials that offer distinct sound profiles, they both utilize a nylon bottom housing to enhance the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Rose provides a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting, while the POK top housing of the Snow offers a smooth and durable typing experience. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch have distinct differences. The Rose has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Snow, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Snow is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Rose is not specified. This means that the Snow requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Rose. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Snow may be the better option, especially for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Rose may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Rose linear switch is 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Dareu Snow linear switch. The Rose offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Snow provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may lean towards the Snow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the Rose. Both switches offer different experiences depending on personal preference, with the Snow being the shorter option and the Rose being the longer option for travel distance.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, resulting in a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch boasts a thocky sound with a deep, rich quality due to its innovative use of POK material in the construction. Both switches provide a neutral sound profile that can cater to a wide range of preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Rose linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In comparison, the Dareu Snow linear switch is noted for its bouncy feedback, giving users a spring-like sensation with lively key presses. While the Rose switch focuses on a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Snow switch emphasizes a more dynamic and energetic feel for users who appreciate a bouncier feedback sensation.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Rose switch provides a mellower sound and a polished typing experience, while the Snow switch offers a deeper thocky sound and a bouncy feedback sensation. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, individuals can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a quality linear typing experience with their own distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Rose linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a unique spring system that offers a substantial yet not heavy feel, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Rose switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a POK material top housing and stem that provides a deeper sound signature, along with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Snow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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