TTC Silent Brown vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, to the Dareu Snow, a linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers a distinct typing experience. The Silent Brown is praised for its comfortable typing feel, light-medium resistance, and satisfying tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is known for its innovative use of POK material for a smooth linear feel, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. While the Silent Brown is described as 'buttery', 'mild', 'muted', and 'polished', the Snow is labeled as 'thocky', 'neutral', 'low-pitched', and 'bouncy'. Deciding between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference; 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Snow, we can see that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon for the bottom housing. The Silent Brown and the Snow will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared bottom housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with clear housings for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow uses a POK top housing, which is highly smooth and durable. The POK material contributes to smooth, clacky sounds and offers exceptional wear and shock resistance, making it a top choice for switch housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Silent Brown and the Dareu Snow influences the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, they differ in their top housing materials. The Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting, while the Dareu Snow's POK top housing offers smooth, clacky sounds and exceptional durability. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their housing material choices.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we find that the Silent Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Brown is heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams, although both are considered medium in terms of heaviness. The actuation force of the Silent Brown is lighter, which may be preferred by individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a deeper feel, the Silent Brown may be the preferable option due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immediate and responsive key press, the Snow with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for the type of key press experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile with a comfortable typing experience, thanks to its light-medium level of resistance and satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched sound with a deeper sound signature due to its innovative use of POK material. When it comes to feel, the Silent Brown is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the Snow switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation for a lively typing experience. Overall, both switches excel in different aspects, with the Silent Brown focusing on a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, while the Snow switch offers a deeper sound signature and bouncy feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, the Silent Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with innovative POK material construction and a deeper sound signature, the Snow switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you enjoy the most. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision.
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