Gateron Smoothie vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We're thrilled to introduce the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, and the Dareu Snow, another linear switch, both offering unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Smoothie is best known for its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. While the Smoothie is praised for its buttery and creamy feel, the Snow switch offers a bouncy typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 and Dareu Snow, we can see that they both focus on providing a unique sound profile for the switches. The Smoothie utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deep and muted sound. On the other hand, the Snow uses POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in smooth, clacky, and durable switches with a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials contribute to creating a pleasing typing experience, the Snow's POK material brings added durability and shock resistance compared to POM and nylon.
One key difference between the two housing materials is the coefficient of friction and wear resistance. The Snow's POK material has a coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it one of the smoothest materials available. Additionally, it boasts wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM, surpassing Nylon by 2.3 times in shock resistance. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM material may not offer the same level of durability and smoothness as the POK material. This difference in material properties can impact the overall typing experience and longevity of the switches.
Overall, while both the Gateron Smoothie and Dareu Snow focus on providing a unique and pleasing sound profile for the switches, they differ in material properties and durability. The POM material in the Smoothie may offer a deeper and more muted sound, but the POK and nylon materials in the Snow provide a smoother, clackier, and more durable typing experience. Depending on personal preference and prioritization of material properties, users may choose one switch over the other for their desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams, making the Smoothie the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Snow requires 60 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Snow is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Dareu Snow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is 3.6mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them well-suited for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow. Gamers who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing may find the Smoothie more to their liking, while those who prioritize faster responses may lean towards the Snow. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that caters to the needs of gamers seeking swift and efficient keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie switch is best known for its thocky sound signature, known for its deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The low-pitched and subdued qualities of this switch contribute to a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a similar thocky sound profile with a deeper sound signature. Both switches produce a satisfying sound experience, with the Snow switch described as having a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. The Dareu Snow switch, in contrast, is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback when typing. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Smoothie switch emphasizes a more seamless and effortless sensation, while the Snow switch focuses on providing a lively and rebounding feel. Again, the decision between the two switches would rely on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie switch stands out for its thocky sound signature and buttery typing experience, while the Snow switch is known for its innovative use of materials and bouncy feedback sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a deeper sound profile with a smoother typing experience or a more rebounding feedback with a spring-like feel, either switch would be a great choice for enhancing your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you'll get satisfactory results no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a lightweight touch and prefer a thocky sound signature with a remarkably smooth typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a deeper sound signature, along with a bouncy and lively typing feel, the Dareu Snow switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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