Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Dareu Snow offer unique features to consider. The Smoothie Silver is known for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch, making it a top choice for those seeking a quick and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel while typing. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Dareu Snow, it is clear that they offer different benefits and characteristics. The Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, which produces a unique and deep sound profile that is more muted. On the other hand, the Snow utilizes a POK top housing, known for being exceptionally smooth, clacky, and durable. The POK material not only offers a smooth typing experience but also boasts impressive durability compared to POM.
The differences in bottom housing materials between the Smoothie Silver and the Snow also provide varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and pleasing sound profile that is on the muted side. In contrast, the Snow's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
While the housing materials of the Smoothie Silver and the Snow vary in terms of sound profile and durability, it is important to note that both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The top and bottom housing materials may impact the sound and feel of the switches differently, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether one prefers the unique sound profile of POM or the smoothness and durability of POK, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Snow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Smoothie Silver's force is unknown, while the Snow has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Snow switch requires a bit more force to fully press down compared to the Smoothie Silver.
Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver, as the lower actuation force allows for extended typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Dareu Snow due to its slightly heavier actuation force and higher bottom out force, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Dareu Snow linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. The Smoothie Silver offers a bit more depth in keypress compared to the Snow, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Snow's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to users seeking a faster and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with both options providing similar results in terms of shorter travel distances for quick keypresses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem. While the Smoothie Silver has a thocky sound, the Snow switch delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, enhancing the typing experience for users who enjoy deeper sound profiles. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. This bouncy feel can provide users with a sense of rebound when typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience of using the Snow switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a thocky sound and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a bouncy feel while typing, the Dareu Snow linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a feather-light touch, lightning-fast actuation, and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a deeper sound signature, and a bouncy feel when typing, the Snow switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Smoothie Silver and Snow switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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