TTC Silent Red vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Red and Dareu Snow both offer unique advantages. The Silent Red switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or shared living spaces. With a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, as well as a padded bottom-out for added comfort, it is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. Categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy', the Snow switch offers a unique typing experience for those looking for something a bit different. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Snow utilizes POK material for its top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a quality housing material for their top components that enhances the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Silent Red and the Snow feature nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique feel to the typing experience of both switches. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar sound profile and typing feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while the Silent Red and the Dareu Snow differ in their top housing materials, they both share the same bottom housing material - nylon. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The choice of polycarbonate for the Silent Red's top housing and POK material for the Snow's top housing offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics. In contrast, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Snow has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Silent Red provides a lighter initial push but requires more force to fully press down, offering users a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Snow switch offers a more consistent force throughout the keystroke. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of force, but the Silent Red leans towards heavier bottoming out, while the Snow is lighter throughout the entire stroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a user prefers a lighter actuation force or a more consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Silent Red with its longer travel distance might be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a more immediate and responsive feel, the Snow switch could be the choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with slight variations to cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience, especially in shared environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its deeper and thocky sound signature, providing a rich and satisfying typing experience. The low-pitched nature of the Snow switch adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing sound, which can be appealing to users looking for a more distinct auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is praised for its buttery and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. The padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Red switch adds an extra level of comfort for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation, giving users a lively feel with each keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between buttery smoothness and bouncy responsiveness will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Overall, both the TTC Silent Red and the Dareu Snow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different user preferences. If you're looking for a quieter typing experience with a smooth and consistent feel, the TTC Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper and more thocky sound with a bouncy typing sensation, the Dareu Snow switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office or shared living spaces, along with a comfortable bottom-out feel, the Silent Red switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper sound signature and a bouncy, lively feel while typing, the Snow switch with its POK material construction may be more up your alley. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences for sound and feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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