Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between popular options like the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Snow, both linear switches but with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines through its medium-weight all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound profile that many typists appreciate, alongside exceptional smoothness that enhances the typing experience. This switch breaks the price barrier without compromising on quality, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users who don’t want to sacrifice performance. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch utilizes innovative POK material for both the top housing and stem, offering a deeper sound signature while maintaining the smoothness typical of linear switches. With its unique characteristics, the Snow switch caters to those who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback along with a bouncy feel during typing. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them, from quality and sound profile to material composition. 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
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Snow switches, it is essential to note the differences in their top housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile, which many enthusiasts find appealing. In contrast, the Dareu Snow utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, recognized for its exceptional smoothness and durability. The unique characteristic of POK material is its slightly higher coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest materials available. Therefore, while both materials create pleasing auditory experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a softer auditory output, whereas the Snow’s housing promotes a smoother, clacky feel during operation.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, we see a notable difference. The Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also POM, which similarly contributes to a muted sound profile, enhancing the deeper tonal qualities. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow employs a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its classic properties. Nylon absorbs sound efficiently due to its softer nature, resulting in a fuller, rounder sound profile. This contrast means that while both switches may exhibit deep tones, the nylon in the Snow emphasizes a richer sound experience, whereas the dual POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie maintains more muted acoustics throughout its performance.
Ultimately, the interplay of these materials significantly impacts the overall performance and experience of each switch. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's consistent use of POM creates a unified sound experience that is both pleasing and unique, the dual-material approach in the Dareu Snow enables a more diverse auditory profile by merging the sonic characteristics of nylon and POK. The distinct top and bottom housing materials in the Snow allow it to deliver a unique sound when pressing down on the keys, alongside a different sound when releasing them. Therefore, while both switches can achieve satisfying results, the nuanced audio experiences they provide will appeal differently to users based on material composition and design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find some noteworthy differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Snow switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, while the Snow switch has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon fully pressing the key. If both switches had the same bottom out force, users would experience similar keystroke feedback at the end of each press, but the currently defined parameters reveal that the Snow switch provides a more pronounced resistance at the bottom. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those seeking a lighter touch, whereas the Snow caters to users who prefer a heavier, more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Snow measures at a shorter 3.3 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. In contrast, the Snow's shorter travel distance caters to those who prioritize rapid response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers who desire quick inputs. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more robust typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go, while the Snow is ideal for those seeking a snappy and responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, satisfying thud that delivers an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This type of sound not only adds to the tactile feedback but also creates a rich atmosphere that many enthusiasts appreciate. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch presents a deeper sound signature, also falling under the thocky category, but with a subtle neutrality that makes it versatile for various environments. The low-pitched nature of the Snow switch results in a more bass-heavy tone, distinguishing it from higher-pitched counterparts and enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches promise similarly enjoyable sound profiles, although the nuances in their materials and design likely contribute to distinct auditory experiences.
When discussing the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is known for its exceptional smoothness, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience that allows for seamless key presses with minimal resistance. The Dareu Snow switch, on the other hand, introduces a bouncy characteristic to its feel, delivering an elastic feedback sensation that offers a lively and energetic typing experience. While the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on smooth motion, the Snow's bounciness can energize the user’s typing rhythm. This difference caters to individual preferences, with the Sea Salt appealing to those who prioritize smoothness and consistency, while the Snow engages users who enjoy a bit of rebound in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Dareu Snow switches each bring their unique qualities to the table. The Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, ideal for users who appreciate a crisp and quiet environment. The Dareu Snow, with its deeper, low-pitched sound and bouncy feel, offers a more vibrant typing experience while also providing satisfactory auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches can cater to users looking for a satisfying typing experience; choosing one over the other will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Dareu Snow linear switches, you should consider your preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you're someone who appreciates a smooth linear switch that also features a rich, thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. Its exceptional smoothness makes it an excellent option for both gaming and typing, especially if you enjoy a more muted acoustic environment that still offers satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and a unique sound signature, the Dareu Snow is worth considering. With its medium actuation force of 60 grams and bouncy feeling, it provides a responsive typing experience that many typists find enjoyable, particularly in contexts where auditory feedback and a deeper sound are valued. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—be it a softer and smoother typing experience or one with a reassuring bounce and richer sound.
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